TC on Tour (tom curtis) http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/ 35 rows en-gb 60 The Great Central Railway Autumn Diesel Gala 2009. http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1754556.html Made the effort and headed for Loughborough Area for this Gala.Cast-List was very impressive but as the day wore on (Saturday the 12th) timing got later and later,also Loco allocation seemed to favour the resident traction rather than the visitors....A superb event however blessed by an almost totally cloudless day.Even took a quick-break in the afternoon to bag a '60' on the Midland-Mainline at Cossington. Sunday 13 September 2009: Made the effort and headed for Loughborough Area for this Gala.Cast-List was very impressive but as the day wore on (Saturday the 12th) timing got later and later,also Loco allocation seemed to favour the resident traction rather than the visitors....A superb event however blessed by an almost totally cloudless day.Even took a quick-break in the afternoon to bag a '60' on the Midland-Mainline at Cossington.

Early BR style Type-2 D5185 'Castell Dinas Bran' rattles away from Loughborough going all the way with '2A07'..12 september 2009.. Probably the star of the show by dint of the fact this was the first time a '50' has run on this line ever was 50007 still wearing the celebrity colours given to it many years ago (Remember the controversy when it was painted?) Here it is passing Woodthorpe on '2A10' the 11:00 from Loughborough to Leicester-North..12 september 2009.. Resident 'Peak' D123 seen leaving Loughborough at Woodthorpe on '2C11'.Note the now redundant telegraph poles that used to carry the railways communication network.The copper conductors are long gone but the poles remain to stand sentry..12 september 2009.. Showing obvious signs of prolonged open-air storage by dint of the very faded paintwork and rather rusty looking underframe equipment,recently revived 47714 draws through Woodthorpe on the 11:45 (2A14) from Loughborough to Leicester-North.After this brief public appearance over the gala weekend this engine has been moved to Old-Dalby for use as the resident shunt engine..12 september 2009.. Had a quick look at the southern end of the line at Leicester-North.Managed to record just one working before sun angle got too tight (12:30).Here is D5185 with 47714 tucked inside on '2A14' from Loughborough slowing for the terminus..12 september 2009.. Class-27 running at this time as D5401 in '60's' livery.Eventually renumbered in post-Tops times as 27056/27112. Here it is viewed having just arrived at Leicester-North with '2A18', a through train from Loughborough.In the background can be seen the bricked up entrance door for the steps to the now removed original platforms,a pretty standard affair similar to Quorn and Rothley with an Island platform..12 september 2009.. Big type-5 55019 slows for the Rothley stop as 33114 and the 4BIG disappears away into the distance.Only here on the GCR is it possible to get 'done' by a passing working.Ident for this train is '1A23' Loughborough to Leicester-North..12 september 2009.. '2C27' the 13:40 from Loughborough drawn by D8098 with 37314 on the back swings through Kinchley Lane heading for Rothley..12 september 2009.. 'Sir Edward Elgar' 50007 sweeps past Kinchley Lane looking superb on '2A30' from Loughborough to much approval from the gathered masses at this vantage point..12 september 2009.. Fictitiously numbered '4BIG' 7059 is seen being 'Push/Pulled' by 33114 or D6535 (take your pick) through Kinchley Lane with an Quorn Service'2C30'. At this time this Bagpipe-Crompton carries no identification whatsoever except the rail-blue paint job.This engine is part of the National Collection,all the buffer-beam damage it suffered prior the withdrawal has now been repaired..12 september 2009.. D8098 and D5830 on the rear make up the '2C32' service to Rothley from Loughborough(14:50) recorded passing a very crowded Kinchley Lane..12 september 2009.. Something in preservation that is only possible on the GCR is the 'Passing-shot'.Her D5830 on the rear of '2C32' is passed by 50007 heading towards Loughborough.Biggest loss of the day was missing the Ochre-31 when it did it's once-only solo trip in the early morning..12 september 2009.. This was (For Me) the most interesting locomotive at this extremely well run Gala.Former Scottish 'shove-duff' 47714, yet another CREL-Castoff is seen rounding the bend at Kinchley Lane on '1A33' the 15:10 from Loughborough to Leicester-North.Looking rather faded after being stored for some time but now appearing to work and sound Ok.Visit here is only a short one and am led to believe is going to Old-Dalby test track as a shunter! ..12 september 2009.. D5410 with D5185 on the tail passes Woodthorpe with '2B35' the 16:21 from Leicester with the 'All stations stopper' to Loughborough..12 september 2009.. Looking quite work-stained D123 passes Woodthorpe just after leaving Loughborough (17:00) heading for the end of the line at Leicester-North.This was '2A41'..12 september 2009.. 55019 rolls through Woodthorpe towards Loughborough with the 17:01 from Leicester,'2B38' correctly shown in the headbox..12 september 2009.. Top Dog Type-5 55019 'Royal Highland Fusilier' roars its way back to Loughborough from Leicester on '2B38'(Easy when its in the headcode indicator box).Setting is Woodthorpe near the north-end of the line..12 september 2009.. Expect most of the Caravanners were sat inside their vans eating tea and watching ITV when this machine roared past!(Probably complaining about the noise pollution!) 55019 on '2B38',the 1701 from Leicester to Loughborough approaching Woodthorpe in the late afternoon sunshine..12 september 2009.. No gala is complete without a 'Standard-Issue' class-37 shot.Todays offering was 37314 'Dalzall' from Butterley in Large-Logo.Here it is growling away from Loughborough on '2A44' the 17:40 to Leicester against a backdrop of a seamless blue sky.If only all days were like this?..12 september 2009.. Final shot of the day was D123 bringing '2B43' back to Loughborough from Leicester-North.By this time(18:25)the sun was getting pretty low though light was becoming quite golden..12 september 2009..

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]]> Sun Sep 13 2009 The Lymington Branch 2009 http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1752632.html This short branch-line in Hampshire is unique as it is still mainly the preserve of the two remaining 'Slam-Door' Mk-1 type units left on the entire former Southern-Region.Pictures shown are of '1497' a 3-CIG running in the old BR livery of Cream and Blue.Rumours persist that these 'slammers' are to be replaced before the end of the year.If you want to 'Do' them it really is 'now or never'! Tuesday 8 September 2009: This short branch-line in Hampshire is unique as it is still mainly the preserve of the two remaining 'Slam-Door' Mk-1 type units left on the entire former Southern-Region.Pictures shown are of '1497' a 3-CIG running in the old BR livery of Cream and Blue.Rumours persist that these 'slammers' are to be replaced before the end of the year.If you want to 'Do' them it really is 'now or never'!

Disappearing away from the bay-platform at Brockenhurst is '1497' on the 10:59 to the Coast..08 september 2009.. The 3-CIG seen about to negotiate the level-crossing on the approach to Lymington Town Station with the 12:29 service from Brockenhurst..08 september 2009.. '1497' sits in Lymington Pier Station in readiness to work the 12:44 to Brockenhurst.Traincrew can be seen in the background enjoying a quick'cuppa'..08 september 2009.. It only takes a three minutes from the 13:29 departure time for '1497' to pass this vantage point (up a tree) on the short journey(10 minutes) to Lymington-Pier..08 september 2009.. Rapidly disappearing towards Brockenhurst on the 13:44 from the Pier is the(In my opinion) better of the two liveries on offer here on this line,the other one(1498) is the old Southern-Green..08 september 2009.. Passing the carpet of heather in this open space of the New-Forest nr Battramsley is 'Slammer' 1497 heading the 13:59 to the Coast from Brockenhurst'. When I left home cloud-cover was 100% and was not sure what? if either of the two 3-Cig's was going to be operating today.Any-way,Right Unit and Right Light so a pretty good day all round.The pint of Amstel in the Quay Pub next to the line was nice as well! ..08 september 2009.. Found a different tree for this shot,more difficult to climb but certainly another perspective! Named 'Freshwater' 3-CIG '1497' passes Battramsley heading for the sea on the 14:29 from the Junction..08 september 2009.. Crossing the minor road nr Battramsley is '1497' on the 14:44 to Brockenhurst..08 september 2009.. As can be seen the sky today was a pretty clear one so no need to keep looking over the shoulder as the train approaches! Here '1497' crosses the bridge by the Marina in between the Pier and Town Stations heading the 15:44 to Brockenhurst..08 september 2009.. Later in the afternoon a picture is possible of the 'slammer' leaving Brockenhurst from a conveniently placed footbridge.'1497' trundles off on the 16:29 to Lymington-Pier..08 september 2009.. Less than 15 mins after the 16:44 departure from Lymington-Pier '1497' is already slowing for the end of the journey at Brockenhurst.Despite being a very short journey this set will do 33 return journeys during its shift registering over 400 miles during the day!..08 september 2009.. Strictly not a Lymington Branch shot but this passed by at Brockenhurst whilst waiting for the 3rd-rail Unit.221135 heads east with a service from Bournemouth against a backdrop of a 'china-blue' sky..08 september 2009.. Humming away from the mainline-station on the 16:59 to Lymington is '1497'....Only 10 more round trips to go on this day!..08 september 2009..

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]]> Tue Sep 8 2009 Things you see whilst waiting for a Train! http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1743520.html When you spend as much time as I have 'hanging around' on bridges other things apart from Railway-Subjects sometimes come into range of my camera lens,here are a few of the more interesting and unusual things that have been recorded. (Others will be added as and when they crop-up.) Thursday 20 August 2009: When you spend as much time as I have 'hanging around' on bridges other things apart from Railway-Subjects sometimes come into range of my camera lens,here are a few of the more interesting and unusual things that have been recorded. (Others will be added as and when they crop-up.)

After the vandalism inflicted on this location recently by Railtrack with their montrous radio-cabin,looks like the local thugs have joined the party with a dumped,burned out,stolen and partially stripped 4wd Range-Rover..Poor old Berkley! has never had it so bad!!!!!!..11 march 2009.. Oh-Good!, is that a D-B-Schenker Class 59/2 I see coming before they all disappear to S-Wales or Peak-Forest very shortly???..07 april 2009.. Whilst waiting for some One of the older style liveried 'Murco' TEA tanks brings up the rear of the rapidly departing '6B47' seen here at Westerleigh Village.The Pot of Gold at the end of this particular Rainbow was the full sun shot of 'Teenage Spirit' which was in charge of this working.After getting covered in mud,scagging jeans on barbed-wire and getting thoroughly soaked we earned that 'pot' !!! ..16 may 2009.. Swooping and wheeling overhead whilst awaiting the 37 tour '1z44' was this rather large Bird of Prey,been told by one who knows it is a 'Red-Kite' This was a bad omen? as tour ran on wrong line(slow not fast as booked) and shot was a disaster! Location of this section of sky was Goring South-Stoke ..23 may 2009.. Well known local photograper Dave Brush captured chatting up cow 'number 3000867',probably asking for casual sex! (No thanks said the cow all my friends are watching!)..26 may 2009.. As I was arriving at the bridge at Wickwar in readiness to picture to two regular 'fuel trains' this old piece of kit was chuffing over the bridge,was told heading for a local 'Steam Fair' from a local farm and the drivers name was Jake!.Named'Fair Rosumund' and according to smokebox-door castings was manufatured by 'The Wallis Expansion Engine Company' Believe this type is known as a small Showman's Engine.Not really visable it was towing an old Workmans-Caravan and a short-wheelbase Land-Rover!..29 may 2009.. Well! I though I had seen pretty much 'EVERYTHING dumped by the Gyppo's here at Berkley-Marsh nr Frome, Burned out cars,fridges,sofa's,televisions,piles of rubble and most other crap even a dead sheep once but a 16ft Boat ???? This really has to go straight in at Number-1 on the Crap-Parade..15 june 2009..footnote ---- e-mail me if you want it,bring a large trailer and about 3 people to drag it out of the stingers! Arriva-XC 220+++ runs past Frocester heading south (Was supposed to be an HST but due to Derby fiasco wasn't).Note the bag on one horses head,probably so it does not have to look at V-gers! ..16 june 2009.. Seen flying into Southampton(probably)over the New-Forest is this Cargo plane with 'Air-Contractor' logo's.A 4 engined turbo-prop design------answers on a postcard as to its true identity..08 september 2009..

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]]> Thu Aug 20 2009 A Short visit to Peak-Forest ( 2 Hours ! ) http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1735203.html Went on a social visit to Chapel en-le Frith on 31-July 2009. Managed a very brief visit to Dove-Holes and Great-Rocks at Peak-Forest for just over 2 hours.In this time saw an amazing 11 workings between 15:20 and 17:25.regretfully missing the recently re-instated 60074,this was powering away from Dove-Holes just as I arrived. As usual session turned dull but pictures worth showing as visits to this area are getting few and far between! Sunday 2 August 2009: Went on a social visit to Chapel en-le Frith on 31-July 2009. Managed a very brief visit to Dove-Holes and Great-Rocks at Peak-Forest for just over 2 hours.In this time saw an amazing 11 workings between 15:20 and 17:25.regretfully missing the recently re-instated 60074,this was powering away from Dove-Holes just as I arrived. As usual session turned dull but pictures worth showing as visits to this area are getting few and far between!

Class-60 hauled workings are now getting thin on the ground even around Peak-Forest! Here is 60091 'An Teallach' getting '6F05' Tunstead to Oakleigh away from Peak-Forest after a crew change..31 july 2009.. 'An Teallach' 60091 these days only has one nameplate still fitted,luckily this shot was the 'right' side.Viewed driving away from Peak-Forest after a crew-change with '6F05' from Tunstead going to Oakleigh with a set of BMI hoppers.How much longer will these machines feature on Peak District stone traffic,could be weeks,could be years?..31 july 2009.. 66011 runs round the corner into Peak-Forest past Dove-Holes Quarry with a set of empty boxes,one of which appears to be an ex-scrap 'Black-Adder'.Working was '6M67' from West-Burton PS..31 july 2009.. Running a mixture of white/green bogie-hoppers '66605' a regeared example of the HH fleet drifts past Dove-Holes going to Tunstead from Drax-PS.Note the distinct lack of shunting locomotives here these days,no '08' anymore,shunting now done mainly with the train-engines.Another example of our ever contracting railway scene!..31 july 2009.. '4H10' from Bletchley to Peak-Forest draws to a halt at its destination.66047 doing the honours..31 july 2009.. HH Shed 66621 hums away from Tunstead on '4E04' to West Burton-power station past the fine selection of old Midland signals still in use here at Great-Rocks.Note the pointless addition of a 'road-style' Barbers-Pole gate across entrance to the quarry-line.What's that all about? Thought signals controlled railways not security-guards armed with H&S manuals! ..31 july 2009.. After a prolonged wait at the throat of the Quarry line 66621 pulls away past the array of midland signals here at Great-Rocks.Working appears to be a Tunstead to West Burton-PS jobby,reporting number '4E04'..31 july 2009.. Unlike the 60's these machines appear to really struggle as they draw away from Tunstead-Quarry with a fully loaded train.Here 66011 with a set of 'BLI's' approaches Great-Rocks with possibly a working to Oakleigh..31 july 2009.. When '4H10' arrived from Bletchley 66168 was dead on the rear.Here the train is reversing up a siding at Dove-Holes to deposit the loco there.To the right is an unidentified working with 66011 in charge,possibly a Tunstead-Oakleigh as the wagons were 'BLI's'..31 july 2009.. Sweeping into Peak-Forest is the '6M22' empty cement-tanks from Leed-Hunslet to Tunstead.Hauled by 66067,yet another working previously in the hands of a '60' now 'sheded'..31 july 2009.. After a brief stop at Peak-Forest for a crew-change '6M22' proceeds to cross over in preparation to enter the Tunstead-Works complex.66067 with empty cement tanks from Leeds-Hunslet..31 july 2009..

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]]> Sun Aug 2 2009 Mixed-Traffic Weekend at the West-Somerset Railway. http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1712791.html Billed as a mixed-traffic weekend but apart from 60163 was effectively a Diesel-gala! No complaints from me,just a pity sun failed to respond when 'Tornado' was about.Visited on the Sunday (14th) and a good day was had by all! Cracking line-up including examples of 4 classes of Hydraulics.........Excellent! Monday 15 June 2009: Billed as a mixed-traffic weekend but apart from 60163 was effectively a Diesel-gala! No complaints from me,just a pity sun failed to respond when 'Tornado' was about.Visited on the Sunday (14th) and a good day was had by all! Cracking line-up including examples of 4 classes of Hydraulics.........Excellent!

Awaiting departure from Crowcombe heading towards Bishops-Lydeard is visiting Hydraulic D1062 from the Severn-Valley-Railway.Looking ex-works this engine is a credit to all the support-staff that look after her..14 june 2009.. Drawing away from Crowcome-Heathfield after receiving the section-tablet toward BL is Western Courier sounding superb running on both engines..14 june 2009.. Arriving at Crowcombe just ahead of the shadows is D832 with the 10:05 ex-Minehead..14 june 2009.. The new steam 'icon' having an easy few days on the WSR ambling around at 20mph instead of 80! Here seen departing Crowcombe with a morning train to Minehead..14 june 2009.. D7523 now looking rather 'ratty' passes Leigh-Woods Crossing heading for BL from the Sea.Expect this engine to receive a repaint soon,wonder what the new livery will be?..14 june 2009.. Giving it a 'bit of wellie' on the departure from Watchet Harbour...D7017 squeezes through the colourful undergrowth as it continues onwards towards Minehead (12:05 ex-BL)..14 june 2009.. Since next working(12:40 ex-BL) after the Type-3 Hydraulic was D1062,a Type-5 I decided to wait the 40-mins or so and endure the abuse from the passing 'twats'as they shuffled through the congested town! Difficult shot this as really only a'vertical' format will do,Still quite nice vista of the original station buildings though and the town beyond..14 june 2009.. I wouldn't want to throw one of these 'teddy-bears' out of my pram! Here 2 of these loco's D9520 with resident D9528 ease round the corner into their booked stop at Washford,Note leading engine(9528) is wearing a sticker recalling the use of this class as an industrial at Westbury-Cement -Works after its all to short mainline career!..14 june 2009.. Maroon Warship D832 hums through the quite deep cutting heading for the sea shortly after departure from Washford..14 june 2009.. Shortly after departure from Williton heading towards Bishops-Lydeard D7017 is seen passing Castle-Hill.The line crosses the main-road from Minehead to Taunton just here..14 june 2009.. Recalling the days when this type regularly hauled trains on this line from Bristol and beyond 'Hymek' D7017 accelerates through Castle-Hill with a late afternoon working to BL..14 june 2009.. Visitor 'Western Courier' rolls down the straight on the approach to Williton with the 15:40 ex-Minehead on a nice rake of Choc-cream mk-1's,finish on this loco was superb externally a perfect match for main-line runner 'Champion' ..14 june 2009.. Cruising away from Williton is ex-Virgin Favourite 47840(or)D1661 in old-money heading for the sea with the 15:30 ex-BL..14 june 2009.. My first encounter with 60163,regretfully unable to secure a decent 'nose-end' shot.Tending to keep away when out on the mainline as I don't do rugby-scrums! However here is the loco seen running rear-end first at Kentsford in superb light on the 16:35 Minehead to Bishops-Lydeard service..14 june 2009.. Running past the woods at Kentsford 'Rat' D7523 in its now rather shabby 2-tone green livery heads for MInehead on the 16:25 ex-BL service..14 june 2009.. With the final working of the day,'Hymek'D7017 eases into Williton with the 17:25 from Bishops-Lydeard.This resident 'Beyer-Peacock' looked superb having very recently been restored to working-order after a long overhaul and is a credit to the team at Williton that maintain it..14 june 2009.. Running into Williton on the last train of the day is D7017,just beating the shadows to the signal on the approach to the station.This was the 17:25 from BL..14 june 2009.. Wearing the Universal Blue Livery of the 70's D7017 rounds the bend at Kentsford heading for the sea with the its final run of the day,the 17:25 from BL.Somehow it seems a lot less throbby than I remember all those years ago,probably because it is not 'thrashed' these days!..14 june 2009..

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]]> Mon Jun 15 2009 The 47854 Mis-hap at Westbury http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1703806.html 47854 suffered a rather dramatic failure on the approach to Westbury whilst working a 'Nenta' Railtour returning from Devon to Norwich.Captured here is the actual incident,the aftermath and departure 12 days later of the '47' back to Carnforth for repair.Also a couple of shots of the Tour going down in the morning when everything was going to plan! Saturday 18 April 2009: 47854 suffered a rather dramatic failure on the approach to Westbury whilst working a 'Nenta' Railtour returning from Devon to Norwich.Captured here is the actual incident,the aftermath and departure 12 days later of the '47' back to Carnforth for repair.Also a couple of shots of the Tour going down in the morning when everything was going to plan!

Run by Running exactly on time nearly 5 hours after departing from Norwich @ 04:35 is Driver of 47854 was at this time not aware of any problems because train was running to time and as can be seen loco was still powering.However all that was to change within a few minutes and train brought to a stand.As it came around the bend in the distance flames about 6 feet high were visible licking up the side of the engine off the rear bogie...Engine now dumped at Westbury with heavily scorched bodyside,hopefully not too badly damaged as At this time only running about 5 minutes down so driver probably did not even notice that his locomotive 47854 was well alight with a rear bogie-fire.As it came round the bend in the distance flames were about 6 feet high licking up the bodyside but of coarse now obscured by the bulk of the locomotive.Scene is Berkley nr Frome,understand train(1Z48) halted short of Westbury.Still in Westbury over 2 hours later,going to be a long night for passengers as booked arrival in Norwich was midnight,try 03:00am sunday now?Hope this is not the end for this game old warhorse..18 april 2009..footnote-----picture heavily enlarged to show the drama...... As can be seen the rear-bogie is burning well.Note loco still powering as crew were,at this time,unaware of the problem.Train drew to a stand 2 miles further on to be attended too....Here is 47854 with Here stands in glorious sunshine after last nights disaster 47854 showing signs of the self inflicted damage when this engine decided to literally burst into flames as it was approaching Westbury last night with Triple 158/9 158956 passes the duff-duff at Westbury during a rather bright and sunny sunday here in the west..19 april 2009.. In perfect sunshine FGW HST with 43136 on point rolls into it's Westbury stop from Paddington passing the rather crisp 47854 from last nights failed A closer look at 47854 seen contemplating its future parked next to the Power-Box at Westbury.The heavy blistering on the bodyside is plain to see as is the rather thick layer of paint that comprises a multitude of old liveries!..19 april 2009.. Heading away from Westbury and on its way towards Bristol is At this time only running about 5 minutes down so driver probably did not even notice that his locomotive 47854 was well alight with a rear bogie-fire.As it came round the bend in the distance flames were about 6 feet high licking up the bodyside but of coarse now obscured by the bulk of the locomotive.Scene is Berkley nr Frome,understand train(1Z48) halted short of Westbury.Still in Westbury over 2 hours later,going to be a long night for passengers as booked arrival in Norwich was midnight,try 03:00am sunday now?Hope this is not the end for this game old warhorse..18 april 2009..footnote....After several hours train got away from Westbury minus 47854(dumped by the power-box) Picked up a replacement loco at Reading but only got as far as Ely,from where entire train-load were 47786 arrives at Westbury with 47854 being dragged back from its resting-place outside Westbury power-box for the last 12 days ready for departure. 47786 will run round and this engine will be tucked in behind.Presume brought all those coaches as well just to provide the necessary brake-force required for line speed running up the West-Coast Main-Line..30 april 2009.. Now

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]]> Sat Apr 18 2009 Swanage Diesel Gala 2009 http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1696251.html This years Gala featured a completely different set of Locomotives to last years affair.Bulk of Engines came from Butterley 'Midland railway Centre' Theme was the 'blue era', all engines were wearing this once unliked livery but now nearly 20 years on is much liked! Hindsight is a wonderful thing! Sunday 10 May 2009: This years Gala featured a completely different set of Locomotives to last years affair.Bulk of Engines came from Butterley 'Midland railway Centre' Theme was the 'blue era', all engines were wearing this once unliked livery but now nearly 20 years on is much liked! Hindsight is a wonderful thing!

Early morning working away from the sea seen at Corfe-Common with 55022 in charge before the sun died for the next 4 hours, we all went for burgers and beer at Harmon's + ! ..10 may 2009.. 31108 seen as tail-end charlie to 55022 as it heads north towards Corfe in the nice clear early morning sun..10 may 2009.. With the Castle well lit in the early morning sunshine 45060 accelerates away from Corfe heading south..10 may 2009.. Looking superb 26007 drifts away towards Swanage with Corfe-Castle providing the backdrop..10 may 2009.. Large-Logo Railfreight Grey 31108 makes its way over Corfe-Common during this years Gala heading for the Seaside.The 31's front end more than contributing to the very 'Yellow' scene! ..10 may 2009.. 'Royal Scots Grey' 55022 puffs out a small amount of crud as it throttles up passing the gathered audience on the occupation bridge on Corfe-Common.Skinhead 31108 was playing backstop..10 may 2009.. Gorse was out in full flower thus making inclusion in a few shots a must! here 26007 with another working to the sea looks right at home in the sunshine,gorse and hills..10 may 2009.. Double-Bubble! 33103 and 45060 make light work of the load of just 5 carriages on this Swanage to Norden working,2 loco's purely to position the 'peak' at the start of the days activities.Underbridge at Corfe-Common..10 may 2009.. Shot taken at Harmon's+ during the midday 'dull' period.Had to be done despite the crap lighting..45060 powers away from Harmon's going to the seaside..10 may 2009.. Ex-Fragonset 33103 now looking like a proper 'bagpipe' again stands at Harmons+ with the shuttle about to head back towards Corfe-Castle..10 may 2009.. 'Sherwood Forester' 45060 formerly D100 now fully restored including'split-boxes' from 45053 draws away from the terminus at Swanage with the 13:50 stopping service to Norden via Corfe-Castle..10 may 2009.. Resident 08436 spent a short while in the afternoon repositioning a pair of Bullied Pacifics 34070 and 34028 in sidings down near the station,quite good that was,as these engines were blocking the shot off the bridge (seen in view) of any incoming workings..10 may 2009.. Two loco's 6695 and 80078 take a day off as the line was given over to diesel traction for a few days! ..10 may 2009.. Clattering into Swanage on the approach to the end of the line is 20107,positively gleaming in its fresh coat of rail-blue..10 may 2009.. Seen departing Swanage heading north is 26007,about to pass the running shed and workshops there..10 may 2009.. Being 'lit-up' 6695 smokes heavily as the lighting-up process begins,causing some consternation about drifting smoke as 55022 was due to appear! Seen at Swanage's running shed..10 may 2009.. Doyen of the 'production' Deltics 50022 roars past the running sheds (with 6695 and 80078 parked there) on the approach to the Swanage Terminus..10 may 2009.. Busy scene at Swanage as 20107 draws away from the station past the parked Bullied-Pacifics 34070 and 34028..10 may 2009.. Big Hitter 55022 hums out of the woods at a farm crossing just off Valley-Road heading north away from Swanage..10 may 2009.. Growling towards Harmon's is 26007 in the afternoon when things brightened up again after the midday dullness..10 may 2009.. 20107,one of Harry Needle's fleet now looking superb in Rail-Blue was until recently used as a shunter at Flixborough Wharf.Here seen on Corfe Common heading for the sea with 33111 playing tail-end charlie..10 may 2009.. Large-Logo Railfreight-Grey 31108 with 33103 tucked inside power away from Corfe in the late afternoon sunshine..11 may 2009.. The classic nose now complete with 'split-boxes' of 45060 (D100 in old money) trundles along the Swanage line somewhere betweem Harmons+ and Corfe-Castle..11 may 2009.. Rattling past the raped gorse bushes is 20107 enjoying the freedom of a run up the line from Norden to Swanage.Bagpipe 33111 on the other end..10 may 2009.. Despite the total lack of any numbers this is certainly 33111 (A big boy told me then ran away)..Seen here on the Common nearing the Corfe stop heading north.(note the dead DMU being used as coaching stock for this gala on the 'shuttle' trains)..10 may 2009.. Droning across the Common at Corfe is viewed 55022 past the very yellow scenery,Gorse and Rape! ..10 may 2009.. Pretty much the star of the show! Not only was it a superb performer but it was this loco that actually brought all the 'extra' engines down from Butterley.Making its final run of the gala 55022 hums over the Common at Corfe with its lightweight load of 4 trailers,a far cry from 12 or 14 bogies all the way from the 'Cross' to Waverley! ..10 may 2009.. Big type 5, 55022 hauls its lightweight train over the Common after leaving Corfe heading once again towards Swanage..10 may 2009..

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]]> Sun May 10 2009 West Somerset Railway Steam Gala on the 29th/march/2009 http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1674101.html Just for a change decided to visit the WSRly and try my hand at a few pictures of preserved steam.very nice day,biggest probem was too many people about but was able to record most things without any getting in the way! Highlight of the day was "Royal Scot" during its first weekend for many years hauling a decent sized train (About 45 yrs or so).And the sun shon all day! Sunday 29 March 2009: Just for a change decided to visit the WSRly and try my hand at a few pictures of preserved steam.very nice day,biggest probem was too many people about but was able to record most things without any getting in the way! Highlight of the day was "Royal Scot" during its first weekend for many years hauling a decent sized train (About 45 yrs or so).And the sun shon all day!

First train of the day (for me) was this positioning move for the Approaching an ungated crossing in the woods somewhere nr Crowcombe is seen Approaching the ungated road-crossing Nr Leigh Woods is Standing in the bright sunshine waiting to couple up for its next working is 45231,picture from the embankment opposite the level-crossing in Minehead..29 march 2009.. The rebuilt 2-6-2 tanky 5193 now running as 9351 gathers pace as it leaves Minehead on the 13:10 to B-Lydeard..29 march 2009.. Study of 6695 as it waits to back onto the 14:05 service to B-Lydeard.Just past the Mc-Donalds Level-Crossing..29 march 2009.. A nice vision of lovingly restored 34028 sitting on the main near the road-crossing at Minehead..29 march 2009.. 0-6-2 no 6695 cruises past the stubble fields as it approaches Williton on the 14:05 from the coast..29 march 2009.. Not very comfortable standing in a bramble-bush but it had to be done to get this shot of 4936 This Lady walking her dog appeared completely oblivious to the massed ranks of photographers assembled to record the passing of the Finally into service after nearly 45 years off a proper railway line is LMS Could not resist a full study of the Appearing out of the woods past Castle Hill are 45231 and 34046 making a superb noise on the 16:00 from Minehead..29 march 2009.. Appearing out of the woods past Castle Hill are 45231 and 34046 making a superb noise on the 16:00 from Minehead..29 march 2009..

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]]> Sun Mar 29 2009 Digital shots . 2nd time around Review. http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1666291.html Some pictures seem to look better with the passage of time...This collection are from the last few years using Canon "D" cameras and occasional slide that were largely passed over first time around.Will be integrated into main Collections after a short period............... Thursday 12 March 2009: Some pictures seem to look better with the passage of time...This collection are from the last few years using Canon "D" cameras and occasional slide that were largely passed over first time around.Will be integrated into main Collections after a short period...............

43142 brings up the rear of a Paddington bound express from the West-Country,here at Fairwood-Junction nr Westbury.At this time still a 3rd rail Tranquil scene at Dove-Holes in the Peaks.08588 rests alongside the resident rmc industrial whilst 60060 waits in readiness to enter the yards here before backing its empty train back up under the loaders for a refill..29 august 2006.. Tug 21 passes Ram-Hill nr Coalpit-heath with a set of Heading north past Croome Perry is 60020 with the Commerative plates om 59005 referring to attempt at longest hauled train ever in Europe.....East-Somerset-Junction to Berkley? Stange destination? Trial halted there because buckeye coupler behind loco failed and experiment ended with a split train at Berkley!..17 january 2007..(shot of plate) Resurrected Tractors 37411 and 37425 ran for just one weekend on the South African Railways 3'6 After 66099 was declared a failure in the loop at Severn-Tunnel-Junction with Various liveries were seen in this stock move of HST carriages including Virgin and MML.47840 was hauling them from storage at Laira up to OOC.Train seen on the Westbury avoider travelling at full line speed..05 march 2007.. Slightly back-lit but still quite nice--60014 returning from Fareham to Whatley Sitting silent in the sunshine at the Horton-Road depot of Cotswold-Rail are 31128/31452. ..13 march 2007.. 60074 when it was just another grey general service Restored into S&D Blue and running as 88 of that company, locomotive viewed running into Blue-Anchor over the Lever-Crossing there..17 march 2007.. Heading Believed to be a Coatbridge service,90043 in FL grey livery hums north on the WCML north of Tamworth..21 march 2007.. Running past the stubble-fields on the approach to Williton is seen a returning rail-tour that went all the way to Minehead.Engines are 47839/47805.Forgotten where it was heading back too...any info?..25 march 2007.. Mainline Tug powers out of the gloom with a monster rake of Bitumen Tanks from Eastleigh going to South-wales.Probably for scrap.Viewed at Arn-Hill Warminster..28 march 2007.. Working a very late(Normally runs in the dark) Hams-hall to Southampton inter-model service is 67003.Here seen breasting the climb from Westbury to Upton-Scudamore.This service was on a diversion due to Basingstoke area being shut for resignalling work..12 april 2007.. 1Z80 the return Running north at Hatherley nr Cheltenham is a Steel working headed by 66057 going to Corby from Margam Stored engines at Long-Marsdon.A sneak shot over the fence showing 08736,an 0-4-0 Sentinal and 37170 (Now restored as one of the yellow railtrack engines (97302)..03 july 2007.. Moving a long string of Bitumen tanks off the Fawley-Branch is 66081.Here at Totton where the Refinery line joins the main Southanpton to Bournmouth route..17 july 2007.. This service One of the designated 66165 hauls GWR Sitting in the headshunt at Fairwater-Yard Taunton is the Running in original livery as D6607, 37403 rattles the girders on the bridge over the river at Bradford-on Avon as it departs with a Weymouth to Bristol service..August 1998.. Crompton 33116 when it was named Drawing away from Westbury over the junction at Fairwood is ex-NP exile 59204 now adorned in ews colours on

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]]> Thu Mar 12 2009 A Quick look over the Wall at Whatley Quarry. http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1652119.html Never know quite what to expect when peering over the high wall overlooking the shed area at Whatley Quarry.Sometime deserted,other times the place is full! Views are possible both sides of the bridge,one towards the quarry proper,the other way towards the departure sidings and Loco-Holding Area. Monday 8 December 2008: Never know quite what to expect when peering over the high wall overlooking the shed area at Whatley Quarry.Sometime deserted,other times the place is full! Views are possible both sides of the bridge,one towards the quarry proper,the other way towards the departure sidings and Loco-Holding Area.

Whatley Quarry has a GM shunter for movement of hoppers from the loaders to the departure sidings.These are bisected by a main road and occasionally there is an opportunity to photograph this locomotive(Hansen No 120) Best time is early morning(coffee time) as the sun is in just the right place,also there is usually some shunting activity about then..27 june 2007.. 60065 Written off by EWS and sold on as scrap,Original BR-Blue 08947 now works at Whatley-Quarry happily shunting around the complex there.All that was wrong with it was a broken wheel spring and flat batteries.Not a difficult fix was it?..17 march 2008.. Smallest Loco on site at Whatley is this 0-4-0 Shunter Red 60094 You don't realise the size and how GM Shunter Looking 60009 stands idling away just prior to taking One last look at Mainstay of the current EWS fleet are 66's and what is left of the operational engines from class-60....Here we see Never quite know what to expect when you look 08652 erupts as it drags a rake of 20 bogie hoppers towards the loaders at Whatley Quarry.The 08's here are now having to really work for living since the demise of the GM bo-bo The view from the bridge straddling the sidings at Whatley Quarry.Quite a busy scene.60017 (probably pencilled in for St-Pancras Job) and lots of activity in the wagon repair shop area..14 november 2008.. Now finding regular and heavy work at the Hanson-Quarry Whatley since the demise of their more powerful bo-bo GM Loco is good old 08 class no 08652 at rest seen Close up of the damaged Sitting pretty much abandoned today is 08652,viewed In the current situation with 60's being down to 15 examples in traffic, was not expecting to see another one at Whatley Quarry(At least not for a while!).But no! 60049 seen having just restarted .In the process creating interesting sunbeam patterns in the air above it.Later that afternoon worked an MOD train Within less than 24hrs after being removed from store at Toton 60011 had found its way to Whatley Quarry,still in Resident 08652 at Whatley-Quarry seen bringing the fully loaded

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]]> Mon Dec 8 2008 London Terminus Day (08 November 2008) http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1608579.html Just for a change went for a ride on SWT up to London Waterloo for a look round a few of the Terminus stations.Managed Waterloo,Kings-Cross,St-Pancras,Liverpool Street and Marylebone. All very pleasant except for continuous rain,virtually no light and constant hassle at Liverpool-St from jobs-worths paranoid about the fact I was in possession of that top terrorist weapon an EOS digi camera ! Saturday 8 November 2008: Just for a change went for a ride on SWT up to London Waterloo for a look round a few of the Terminus stations.Managed Waterloo,Kings-Cross,St-Pancras,Liverpool Street and Marylebone. All very pleasant except for continuous rain,virtually no light and constant hassle at Liverpool-St from jobs-worths paranoid about the fact I was in possession of that top terrorist weapon an EOS digi camera !

Ex-GNER HST set with 43110 in charge is seen departing Kings-Cross with an express to the north..08 november 2008.. Current ECML Interim Liveried 43313 hauling a fully repainted set of rather grubby Coming out of the tunnel just off the platforms at Kings-Cross is viewed 365524.This particuler TOC is known as Surprise visitor at Kings-Cross today was the Black ? 43065 seen at Kings-Cross with the morning arrival from Sunderland for Compare the sleek lines of 43206 with that of 43065.Viewed at the buffers in Kings-Cross.Hard to believe that they are in fact both members of the same class..08 november 2008.. The Enjoying a new lease of life as the UK terminal for the CTRL from the Continent,St-Pancras now hosts Eurostar 3011 reposes at journeys-end at St-Pancras with a train from either Brussels or Paris..08 november 2008.. Meridian 222023 viewed sporting the new EWS owned,Scotrail operated but currently used by National-Express!!!! 90024 sits in Liverpool-Street with an Ipswich shuttle.(Line onward to Norwich shut for engineering work).Photography here is practically impossible.Ticket barriers everywhere,no access, jobsworths persistanly hassling you if a camera is spied.......WOT A CRAP PLACE!!!!!-----Beam me up Scotty!..08 november 2008.. Wrexham & Shropshire Trains now only employ one A couple of anonymous southern units 5868/5916 stand ready to depart from Waterloo with two local commuter workings..08 november 2008.. Having just arrived with the 05:30 York to Kings-Cross Northern-Belle Charter 67021 stands ready to reverse away from the terminal with the ECS,probably out to Bounds-Green.67025 was the T&T loco on the other end..08 november 2008..

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]]> Sat Nov 8 2008 Camlik Railway Museum-Turkey http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1577877.html During my recent Holiday cruising around the Greek Islands one of the Ports-of-Call was Kasadasi in Turkey.About 12 miles inland from here is located a rather nice Railway Museum at a place called Camlik.This is situated in and around the site of the original station and running-shed.The main line was diverted many years ago leaving this old complex "off the network". The collection totalled 32 locomotives and various other rolling-stock all nicely spaced out in some gardens and also around the old depot turntable. Here are some of the better pictures.As you can see the sky was china-blue but believe me it was very HOT! (All shots taken with a "Sony-CyberShot" 6megs,Great camera if nothing is moving.) Monday 8 September 2008: During my recent Holiday cruising around the Greek Islands one of the Ports-of-Call was Kasadasi in Turkey.About 12 miles inland from here is located a rather nice Railway Museum at a place called Camlik.This is situated in and around the site of the original station and running-shed.The main line was diverted many years ago leaving this old complex "off the network". The collection totalled 32 locomotives and various other rolling-stock all nicely spaced out in some gardens and also around the old depot turntable. Here are some of the better pictures.As you can see the sky was china-blue but believe me it was very HOT! (All shots taken with a "Sony-CyberShot" 6megs,Great camera if nothing is moving.)

A product of the Germanic company A view of the other side of this This 0-6-0 tank engine 3362 was built in the UK by Robert Stephenson in 1891 (Works-no 1889) and is Ex-ORC.Now 117 years old is the oldest engine in the museum..08 september 2008.. Built in the UK by Robert Stephenson Company in 1929(works No 3993) as 46103.A 2-8-2 Ex ORC Rly engine.Seen sitting amongst the picnic tables in the grassy display area..08 september 2008.. 45501 a 2-8-0 from a manufacturer called Nicely proportioned engine this.....Constructed in the USA by Built by MBA (Maschinenbau und Bahnbedarfs AG ) This massive 2-10-0 56523 (Work No 13926) german austerity type was constructed during WW2 Another angle showing off the massive lines of 56523 55037 built in 1924 this Cabside plates on 56116 the Beyer-Peacock 2-10-0 from 1948.Interestingly all the Something that is quite rare! Here we have a product of Beyer-Peacock of Manchester in the UK.Fantastic looking machine built in 1948(Works No 6960) 56116 a 2-10-0 of some size.Very similar in many ways to the South African 25nc class..08 september 2008.. Skyliners 56337 alongside Bayer-Peacock 56116.Both showing Probably the most famous of all the Turkish steam locomotives was the Similar to 56917,here we see 56914 from French maker 57001 came from 56523 the This Ex-SCP 0-6-0T No 3355 is another product of the german firm A side on view of this stubby looking machine 45002.It is a product of the 56917 is very similar to 56914 shown elsewhere in this collection.Only included for the sake of completeness of all engines on site.Was in a quite difficult position..08 september 2008.. 46005 a 2-10-0 by This stubby looking machine 45002 is a product of the Swedish USAC S.160 2-8-0 No 45172.A product of the American company 45132 a 2-8-0 constructed by the german firm Another relative newcomer to this museum is 56045 a 2-10-0 by Tank locomotives really don't come much meatier than this beast! 5701,a massive 2-10-2 constructed specially for Banking work at Bilecik in 1952.These were the last steam engines built for the TCDD. 46025 a 2-8-0 from 56130 is a product of the CKD company(Ceskomoravská-Kolben-Danek A Sp., Prague, Czechoslovakia) Works No 2513.A 2-10-0 big hitter from 1949..08 september 2008.. 1932 built 4-8-0 44041 a G8 0-8-0 tender loco,early history is shrouded in mystery.Possibly built by Built in 1936 by Rear end of the tender paired with 1930 built 34056 a 2-8-0 from Gathered around the turntable at what was once quite a sizable depot can be seen 44041 an Ex-CFOA/KPEV 0-8-0 tender loco,next to it is a Snowplough-Unit then 46025, a Grouped around the Turntable seemingly ready for another days work are 45132 a Another Side view of USAC S160 2-8-0 No 45172.A product of the American company 56045 from Peering out from between the picnic-umberellas is 45501 a 2-8-0 from a manufacturer called 3304,another 3304,another Here we see the old 2 road engine shed at Camlik,originally built to house the Banking engines used on this steeply graded part of the line..08 september 2008.. Built by 3304,another Standing in this Sent out to Turkey in 1941 as a kit of parts How to coal an engine Hiding by the hedge was 57023 a 2-10-2 from Large 2-6-2T.Made by yet another factory in Germany,this time - Maffei (Works-no 3170).TCDD running number was 3558.Loco is Ex-CO..08 september 2008.. Spare Tender (Type K2'2T32 Wanen) originally paired with a A couple of Hand-Trolleys as used years ago by track workers to travel down the line.Judging by the state of the track on this section they must have died years ago!..08 september 2008..

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]]> Mon Sep 8 2008 East Somerset Railway--Merehead Open Day.(Including the Westbury-Cranmore Shuttles) http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1534174.html To Commemorate 150 years since the opening in 1858 of the East Somerset Railway betweem Witham and Shepton-Mallet the current ESR joined with Mendip-rail and Aggregate Industries at nearby Merehead with assistance from Pathfinder-Tours to present a celebration of the railways in the Mendips. A two day event, the weather was kinder on the 2nd day (sunday) which was when most of these pictures were recorded. Tuesday 17 June 2008: To Commemorate 150 years since the opening in 1858 of the East Somerset Railway betweem Witham and Shepton-Mallet the current ESR joined with Mendip-rail and Aggregate Industries at nearby Merehead with assistance from Pathfinder-Tours to present a celebration of the railways in the Mendips. A two day event, the weather was kinder on the 2nd day (sunday) which was when most of these pictures were recorded.

Appearing out of the long cutting at Wanstrow 66200 (Named 59001 on the rear of a Westbury-Cranmore shuttle in connection with the Merehead Quarry open-day,seen passing Wanstrow..21 june 2008.. Standing at the station on a shuttle to Westbury is 59001.New signals have appeared all around the station area here at Cranmore,all looking nicely overhauled.Looks like the railway will soon be having some operational signals at last..21 june 2008.. 59001 draws away from Cranmore Station at the start of another return journey to Westbury shuttling passengers for the Merehead Quarry Negotiating the deep cutting at Wanstrow heading for the main-line at East Somerset Junction.59001 in the lead 66100 on the rear with another Cranmore-Westbury Shuttle Service..21 june 2008.. 59001 on the 14:25 Cranmore-Westbury Shuttle passes Quarry Junction just above Merehead Proper,looking a bit overgrown these days!..21 june 2008.. Another Looking fit only for scrap 08731 awaits the chop after being heavily plundered for spares for the rest of the Merehead fleet of 08's..22 june 2008..footnote....finally laid to rest in a local Frome scrap dealers in march 2009 .RIP. Sunday line-up,captured before the pushchairs and children became to much...L to R are 08643-66731-59104-59103-59203 and 60040..22 june 2008.. 08643,now rather faded but still looking good.Think this was a Ex-Bristol SFM machine..Still in use daily here moving wagons around the site..22 june 2008.. Inside the Mtce shed,59005 has it's hood removed to gain access to the engine..22 june 2008.. Yes! even GM's suffer from the dreaded rust worm.Must be a water trap near the base of the cab-door.metal was corroded right through.Time for a spot of welding and touching up! Hard to believe though now 59005(The newest Yeoman 59) is getting on for 20 yrs old..22 june 2008.. Here we see the actual power-unit of 59005.Hood removed for Mtce.This gives virtually unobstructed access all round the engine.Brilliant piece of design..22 june 2008.. Another shot of 60040 (The other side) in all its gleaming new paint.Quite an impressive paint finish,looks to have been sprayed.Wonder if this is the base colour for any mass reliverying now EWS has been flogged to the Germans..22 june 2008.. 9F 92203 and S160 5197 having an incredibly smoky and noisy getaway! Although this combination never happened on the main-line during steam-days it still makes a pretty impressive sight,lifting 1700 tons away from the Loader at Merehead quarry as a demonstration,regretfully formation was only going 800 yards at most.Brake-force was supplied by the resident GM bo-bo shunter since wagons are all air-braked.GWR 4936 Now well over 20 years old this was the Loco (Number 44 37906/37901 stand in the sunshine next to the demonstation-lines in the Quarry sidings..22 june 2008.. 37901/37906 looking ready to haul at least 3000 tons away from the Quarry stand in the sun at Merehead..22 june 2008.. Waiting to commence another blast up the yard at Torr-Works during the Yeoman Open-Day there.92203 (See David Sheppard on the footplate) and S160 5197 from the Churnet Valley with 1700 tons in tow..22 june 2008.. Looking well cared for is Yeoman Blue Liveried 08032.Another working member of the MRL 08 Fleet..22 june 2008.. 50049 A Narrow-Gauge track was set up on the site giving short rides up and down the yard..22 june 2008.. Ready for the off.S160 and 9F plus loaded stone...Pity not going all the way to Hamworthy!!!..22 june 2008.. Blasting away again,The S160 was a very steamy engine,when at full regulator most of the boiler was usually obscured by steam from the cylinders,occasionally things were a little clearer!..22 june 2008.. USATC S160 2-8-0 5197 and 2-10-0 9F This could almost be taken somewhere in deepest China,suppose the trees are a bit of a giveaway.A bit too lush for that part of the world..22 june 2008.. After their run up the sidings entire train was dragged back to the start (under the road-bridge) by Number 44 the resident GM switcher..22 june 2008.. After each Dragged to the event by 66623 Interesting sight.Wonder if the presence of this Two smaller steam locomotives were Another of the Ex-NP 59/2 variant 59203 stands on display,also suffering from loss of paint in the logo and number area's on the bodysides..22 june 2008.. Recent repaint and now an instant celebrity is 60040,also renamed Ex-National Power 59202 is now a regular here,indeed Merehead does all the Mtce on these machines.About time EW&S or who ever they are sorted out the bodyside numbers,now badly faded..22 june 2008.. 60040...A look at the Swinging round the curve on the incline to Quarry-Junction 66200 with 9 on and 59102 DOR.Working is 1Z16 Westbury-Cranmore Shuttle for Torr Quarry Open-Day..22 june 2008.. Only about Half-a-Dozen EWS Sheds carry names,this loco 66200 is one of these. Found a rather overgrown(Up to our necks!) but completely legal 66200

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]]> Tue Jun 17 2008 Long Marston Open Day (Class 87 Farewell) 8th June 2008 http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1524984.html The ex-MOD site at Long Marston today (8th june 2008) had a really well organised Open-Day primarily to allow public to have one final look at the remaining class 87 locomotives held here for preparation and servicing prior to being exported to Bulgaria for further use. Not only were the exhibits well laid out for photographic purposes but most of the storage-sidings were also available for inspection.Over 60 engines are on site including examples of Classes 117(DMU),08,20,37,47,56,86 and the 87's.A good days entertainment and all in superb sunny weather. Well Done the Long-Marston Personnel. Sunday 8 June 2008: The ex-MOD site at Long Marston today (8th june 2008) had a really well organised Open-Day primarily to allow public to have one final look at the remaining class 87 locomotives held here for preparation and servicing prior to being exported to Bulgaria for further use. Not only were the exhibits well laid out for photographic purposes but most of the storage-sidings were also available for inspection.Over 60 engines are on site including examples of Classes 117(DMU),08,20,37,47,56,86 and the 87's.A good days entertainment and all in superb sunny weather. Well Done the Long-Marston Personnel.

During the entire event this DMU 87027 stands as 87009 heads this long lineup,all engines in this view are 87's.14 members of the class in one shot!..08 june 2008.. Now looking quite faded 87009 waits it's turn to be refreshed before starting a new life in Bulgaria..08 june 2008.. Final user for 87006 was DRS hence the blue livery,expect this to be one of the early ones to get refurb treatment as condition still excellent..08 june 2008.. 86235/86229 and 87014 appear to be huddled together discussing their respective futures,no wonder the 87 looks so smug!..08 june 2008.. Collection of front ends...86215/86242 and 87032 bask in the sunshine at Long Marston..08 june 2008.. 87032 basks in the sunlight saying goodbye to all its UK fans..08 june 2008.. 20902,now discarded by DRS was,after its BR life used for many years on the Hunslet-Barclay weed-killer trains.Now owned by Harry Needle and stored here pending further use..08 june 2008.. 87010 stands on its own clear of the main row of 14 87's.Looks like work has started on this one to prepare for its export.Bogies appear to have been worked on..08 june 2008.. Romanian 56021,heavily graffitied and vandalised from a period of storage at Chaddiston nr Derby stands with fellow class-member 56011,awaiting an uncertain future,of late 4 56's have made it back to main-line use so we live in hope! Another Romanian machine facing an uncertain future is 56011.This engine also took a beating at the hands of vandals when stored at Chaddiston-Derby..08 june 2008.. Recent arrival 37898 looks complete but very tired in the storage sidings on the site..08 june 2008.. Ex Fragonset 47701 now renamed Ex-RES 47746 and 47701 rest outside the workshops,both looking in fairly good condition..08 june 2008.. Now owned bt the AC Locomotive Group 87002 Preserved 86401 73201 arrived here earlier this year after being withdrawn by GBRF 66722 wearing the livery of the ill-fated Looking certain to be scrapped shortly,08736 with chopped con-rods due to shifted cranks.Once one of the Deanside private fleet,now about 10 grands worth scrap metal..08 june 2008.. Still in Rail-Blue 20057 stands patiently waiting for what ever Harry Needle has in store for it,now been withdrawn to 14 years.Seen in the storage sidings at Long Marston..08 june 2008.. 87014 heads the long-long row of 87's lined up for this superb open-day..08 june 2008.. Formerly 86215 Ex-Anglia 86234 rests in the sidings here at Long-Marston hopefully waiting for another lease of life.Most of these ex GE line machines are still in full working order and it would be shameful if no further use was made of these still useful locomotives..08 june 2008.. 86228 86246 looks ready to roll,shame it probably wont ever work again,or will it?..08 june 2008..

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]]> Sun Jun 8 2008 Swanage Diesal Gala 2008 http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1509786.html Over the weekend of 9-10-11/May 2008 a rather successful diesel gala was held on the Swanage Railway on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset.Using residents Crompton D6515 and Brush type 4 47635 plus six locomotives specially brought in just for this week-end.Hauled in by GBRF 66724 were 37275/37906/D444 and 20096.Also present was "JB" 73107 recently repainted in two-tone grey livery,this loco also brought with it the 4-VEP 3417 for use as carriage stock.The whole week-end went well with none of these loco's giving any real problems.Saturday was the only "dull" day,Sunday was particularly bright and sunny,hence most shots shown here were done on that day. Monday 12 May 2008: Over the weekend of 9-10-11/May 2008 a rather successful diesel gala was held on the Swanage Railway on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset.Using residents Crompton D6515 and Brush type 4 47635 plus six locomotives specially brought in just for this week-end.Hauled in by GBRF 66724 were 37275/37906/D444 and 20096.Also present was "JB" 73107 recently repainted in two-tone grey livery,this loco also brought with it the 4-VEP 3417 for use as carriage stock.The whole week-end went well with none of these loco's giving any real problems.Saturday was the only "dull" day,Sunday was particularly bright and sunny,hence most shots shown here were done on that day.

Slug 37906 with the 4-vep seen between Corfe-Castle and Harmons-Cross..09 may 2008.. 47635 soon after leaving Harmons-Cross heading for Norden..09 may 2008.. Crompton D6515 runs under the main-road nr Corfe just as a nice red double-decker runs over the top at about 40mph.Wonder which one will get to Swanage first?..09 may 2008.. 73107/37275 pass under the main Wareham-Swanage road heading towards Swanage..09 may 2008.. Shortly after leaving Corfe-Castle the line crosses a short viaduct over the Studland-Bay road.Here 37905 powers away with a typically smoky depature..09 may 2008.. First train of the day on a glorious sunny sunday,37275+4-vep 3417+D444 viewed approaching Corfe-Castle..11 may 2008.. D444 37906 sits in Harmons-Cross having just arrived with a shuttle from Norden..11 may 2008.. Newly restored 37275 once carried the name 37275 makes yet another pass of the Corfe-Castle Common Area..11 may 2008.. A fine site! 20098 nose first rattles towards Swanage with a rake of Southern-liveried mk1 coaches.Seen at Corfe Common..11 may 2008.. Both the visiting 37's 37275 and 37906 are viewed as they pass at Harmons-Cross.This tele-shot is about 450mm in 35mm terms.Quite difficult to hand-hold so use of 2000th second and taking about 6 shots produced the right result!..11 may 2008.. 37275 with the 4-vep in tow leaves Harmons-Cross heading for Swanage..11 may 2008.. Working the Norden-Harmons-Cross shuttle this time was Railfreight-Grey 37906 smokes away from Harmons heading for the sea at Swanage..11 may 2008.. Resident Brush 47635 ambles along towards Harmons Cross past the rapidly growing ferns(They actually grew about 6 73107+4-vep 3417 run under the road bridge at Harmons-Cross heading for the Coast..11 may 2008.. 4-vep 3417 seen disappearing towards the sea after leaving Harmons-Cross.73107 providing the power..11 may 2008.. 20098 sits in Harmons-Cross during shuttle duties..11 may 2008.. The locomotive that brought the bulk of the visiting engines also did one Looking truly immaculate 37275 heads north at Harmons-Cross past the rapidly growing ferns on the embankment there..11 may 2008.. Making its final run of the day 66724 4-vep this time hauled by gbrf Looking really good 73107 eases away from Harmons-Cross past the sidings there that hold various pieces of vintage rolling-stock..11 may 2008.. 37906 slows for the Harmons-Cross stop dragging 3417 Looking very tidy on its home railway D6515 blasts away from Harmons as it heads for Corfe-Castle..11 may 2008.. Brush type-4 47635 pumps out a nice cloud of clag as it draws away from Corfe,about to dive under the main Wareham-Swanage road..11 may 2008.. A less telephoto shot of 47635 taken seconds after the previous shot.Corfe-Castle just visable on the left of the train..11 may 2008.. Sounding like a machine-gun 20096 heads away from Harmons-Cross this time in cab-forward mode..11 may 2008.. Using tele-lens at its maximum(460mm) 47635 can be seen approaching Corfe past the resident DMU in the sidings south of the station..11 may 2008.. 20096 clatters over the viaduct at Corfe as it approaches the station from the north..11 may 2008.. D444 Passing each other at Corfe Station 20096 and 47635..11 may 2008.. A nice line-up....73107/20096 and 47635 occupy all the platforms at Corfe..11 may 2008.. The working of the week-end was the pairing of the 2 tractors.With 275 leading 906 here we see them going over the Common at Corfe heading for the sea..11 may 2008.. If you can summon the effort the pictures to be had from the hill that Corfe-Castle stands on are quite spectacular...Here we see 73107 leaving heading towards Norden after just clearing the platforms at Corfe Station..11 may 2008.. 47635 powers away from Corfe towards Norden..11 may 2008.. After leaving Corfe towards Norden the line goes over a short viaduct.The road to Studland Bay goes under here.73107 with its short rake of mk 1's drifts away from Corfe Station on the final leg up to Norden..11 may 2008.. 20098 now paired with 37906 roll into Corfe Station with the final train of the Gala heading down the line towards Swanage..11 may 2008.. 3417 4-vep nameplate.note the damaged descriptive 2nd plate damaged by some low-life that probably had a half-hearted attempt at nicking it!!!..11 may 2008..

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]]> Mon May 12 2008 59/0-59/1-59/2 Class Pioneers on 1st/April/2008 http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1485596.html Not many places where you can see 3 class-prototypes in just over an hour all on revenue earning workings.Frome in Somerset is one of those places. To see all three classes of 59 Doyen's within 1 hour was something of a rare event.It happened on 1st April 2008-------(honest) ------------Frome- Somerset---------a good place if you like 59's! Friday 28 March 2008: Not many places where you can see 3 class-prototypes in just over an hour all on revenue earning workings.Frome in Somerset is one of those places. To see all three classes of 59 Doyen's within 1 hour was something of a rare event.It happened on 1st April 2008-------(honest) ------------Frome- Somerset---------a good place if you like 59's!

National Power Prototype(1994) 59201 now minus its Presentation-Bell(note Bracket still there) smokes into Clink nr Frome with a rake of empty boxes bound for Whatley-Quarry..01 april 2008.. ARC followed Yeoman's lead and in 1990 took deliver of 4 of their own version.Here we see the ARC class leader 59101 now under Now this is the Daddy of them all.

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]]> Fri Mar 28 2008 Latest Images(All types) -----Mainly digital but still a few slides.(Will be moved to respective galleries after about a Month) http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1484364.html Have now abandoned Slides....All the latest digital images will appear here for about a Month before being filed in the appropriate galleries Monday 14 September 2009: Have now abandoned Slides....All the latest digital images will appear here for about a Month before being filed in the appropriate galleries

Running into Arley with a Kidderminster service is DMU M51941 with M52064 on the rear.Nicely restored in'pre-yellow' livery..04 october 2003.. It's been nice to have an active Class 40 running around the country again,however now is the time to ditch the'Mickey-Mouse' pretend L-Log style and revert to something more realistic.....here is a reminder of how it should, and could, look like.Minimal work required and well worth the effort. 40145 motors through Eardington with a Bridgnorth bound service during the Autumn Diesel Gala..04 october 2003.. Stripped out 08957 stands derelict at Cardiff-Canton having given up various components to other 08's.The end finally came just a few weeks later in feb 2004 at EMR-Kingsbury..06 january 2004.. For a while in 2004 'Wessex' as the TOC in this area was then known ran pairs of 31's and mk-2 coaches on selected Cardiff-Brighton services.Here is freshly repainted 31454(with the logo 'Fragonset inter-city') climbing Upton-Scudamore incline prior to the Warminster stop with one of these FO services..06 february 2004.. Spent most of this day chasing this tour around South-Wales,mainly without any success re,shots in the sun.Here the 'The Valley Vostock' run by Pathfinder-Tours takes the junction at ADJ-Newport for a trip up the Ebbw-Vale line.Loco leading at this point was 60021 with 56038 on the rear.The Tour (1Z42) from Crewe visited Margam,Radyr,Barry and Ebbw-Vale..07 february 2004.. Don't recall ever seeing this combination of liveries since.66716 paired with 59204 runs slowly into Bishops-Lydeard with the stock of a visiting railtour hauled by a pair of 59's.The other 59 (103) replaced the gbrf-shed before departure eastward..08 may 2004.. Shortly after departing Westbury heading for the Quarries (This train can go to Whatley or Merehead) is 59101 with empty-boxes on '6V07' from Chichester..08 september 2006.. In 2006 '6V62' still used to go through Frome with the 'Tavvy Tanks',this all ended when the flow of bitumen to Plymouth ceased.Here is 66125 on the Frome avoider with its mixed load of diesel and tar..08 september 2006.. 47832 with 47712 on the tail draws the 'Blue-Pullman' through Berkley-Marsh.This was '1Z65' from Paddington(07:15) to Paignton.A particularly popular train-set when introduced but did not last long as the company running it ran into difficulties-----pity? ..30 september 2006.. Amazingly this scene though only 3 years old (At sept 2009) is now just a distant memory,Class 153's 355/382 are now in the drab FGW style and the '180' in the distance are no longer diagrammed for this route.Just goes to show,even 'units' are worth a shot,nothing stands still on our ever-changing railway! Location is Fairwood-Junction nr Westbury..30 september 2006.. Black-5 45231 steams past Bunns-Lane nr Frome with a working the details of which slip my mind at this time,however of interest is the smashed pheasant wedged on the front framing of this loco,expect it will be still warm when train reaches its destination..30 september 2006.. Jumbo 'Electro-Star' headed by 450047 (12 car) passes 444018 on the approaches to Eastleigh Station.Two highly contrasting liveries adds a bit of variation to the regular stock now working this route. ..31 july 2007.. Liveries come and Liveries go,this one is definitely now defunct.Alpha-Line 158749 motors through Standerwick between Trowbridge and Westbury with the 13:30 ex-Cardiff bound for Portsmouth service.If you can get any january sunlight it can be very nice! ..24 january 2008.. Don't often see this type of Unit this far away from the 'Inner suburban' lines out of Waterloo.Class 455's 913&911 speeds through Millbrook heading back to the 'Smoke' after a visit to Bournemouth Depot probably for a spot of Mtce..12 february 2008.. Something of a Valedictory Photograph this.With the smoke from the now closed Westbury Cement Works owned by Le-Farge drifting West an HST can be seen heading in that direction as well.Regretfully it is probably only a matter of time before this well known Wiltshire Landmark is felled in the name of H&S! ..16 february 2008.. The Tuesday '6V62' when it ran via Frome always carried a dual load of Fuel for Laira and Bitumen for Cattewater at Plymouth.However this was the final full year for this Bitumen delivery service as the Depot at Cattewater is now closed.Fuel still goes to Plymouth but in a single working now via Bristol,serving the SFM depot there on the way.Here is seen 66053 with its quite heavy load powering past Clink nr Frome shortly after the reversal at Westbury having come up from Fawley nr Southampton..01 april 2008.. It seems barely possible that just over a year ago about 60 of this class were still in active service! Also one of these machines on '6O41' Westbury-Eastleigh Engineers Tripper was a quite common happening,now? forget it,solid sheds as this type of loco now confined to a few selected workings and are probably heading for extinction.Such is the obtuse thinking that goes towards running a railway these days!...Here is seen the sole surviving original 60 c/w nameplates and decals 60054 'Charles Babbage' climbing Upton-Scud Bank shortly after departing Westbury..17 april 2008.. Ticking over in readiness for an evening departure down the valley to Cardiff is 37402,sat in the platform at Rhymney..24 january 2004.. Schenker's 59206 viewed working quite hard as it draws the afternoon loaded stone'6A13' to West-Drayton off the Whatley Line and onto the main at Frome.This section of track used to be the main-line from London via the B&H to the West until the Frome avoider was constructed in the 1930's..11 may 2009.. 'Shed' power today on '6V18' from Hither-Green back to Whatley.A complete rake of matching 'Hanson' hoppers as well! Here passing Clink just prior to diverging off main-line and heading down the branch to the Quarry.66157 doing the honours..11 may 2009.. Coming up from Fairwater-Yard at Taunton is the 'High Output Ballast Cleaner' for a refill at the Virtual Quarry at Westbury.Running as '6C72' todays Lucky-Loco was 66556 and location is the Frome Avoiding Line..12 may 2009.. Thudding up from Westerleigh going all the way to Lindsey is Blue Tug 60011 seen at Wickwar in the northern outskirts of Bristol.Scrawled in the crud on the side is the name 'Empire of India',a reminder of another loco from a different era that also carried this number! ..12 may 2009.. 'Jaguar' 60065 with '6B13' from Robeston down to the Terminal at Westerleigh rumbles out of Wickwar Tunnel on the final leg before the junction at Yate.From there it is a slow grind the last few miles to the Fuel-Depot..12 may 2009.. This is my first eyeballing of a rather 'Hard to See' train...Rarely publicised due to security fears 'Teenage Spirit' 60074 speeds through Badminton with '6B33' empties from Theale back to Robeston for a refill.These tanks-trains are now pretty much the only regular booked work left for the remaining class-60's.Thankfully a fair proportion of these trains pass within 30 miles or so of home,Schenker are still toying with the concept of 59/2's on these trains,another trial due to take place within the next few weeks.....We will wait and see? ..12 may 2009.. Rounding the curve after departing from the Bargoed stop is 37402 in its unique livery with a saturday service train from Rhymney down the valley to Cardiff.Glad the Valley-Experience is all over now as towards the end the locals were getting quite aggressive at the visiting photographers!..24 january 2004.. Pity the gash livery or this shot could almost be believable! Here 31452 sits in Cranmore Station on the ESR during a Gala there when Brighton-service loco's were available for the weekend event..18 april 2004.. Then operated by the now defunct 'Fragonset' Company 33202/33103 are seen arriving at Washford with a working bound for Minehead.Is that Guy Vincent's head stuck out of the 1st carriage window? ..08 may 2004.. Very murky weather today but was able to scrape this shot of 59206 in double harness with 59004 returning to Merehead from Acton with '7C77'.No Cement-Works Chimney or White-Horse in this shot due to the dire conditions! ..15 may 2009.. '1Z37' Pathfinder Tours 'The Cornish Parker' thunders away from Bristol Temple-Meads,this ran from Crewe to Parkandillack in deepest Cornwall.Traction was provided by this pair of Tractors,37401 and 37670,for this loco is was to be a bit of a homecoming,since it was allocated to St-Blazey TMD for many years doing China-Clay work,indeed engine still carries that depot's name! ..16 may 2009.. Do not get the impression this was a lovely summer's day,sun emerged from a massed blanket of cloud seconds before train appeared around the far corner.Here is 60074 the ertswhile 'Celeb' in the final mile of its journey from Robeston to Westerleigh with '6B13' loaded fuel tanks.Think my jinx with this loco now well and truly over as last four shots of it have all been pretty much full light! ..16 may 2009.. Having arrived at Westerleigh terminal 60074 then commences to split and shunt the loaded fuel-tanks into position ready to discharge the load.Here'Teenage Spirit' is backing the TEA's into position having split the train.Note the road-sign also refers to the long defunct 'Binliner Terminal' as well! ..16 may 2009.. Footnote..Each TEA tank hold just over 100,000 litres of fuel,that makes each tankload worth in excess of £100.000:00. and a trainload approaching £3-million.......A pretty valuable payload!!! Arriva XC set headed by 43304 powers through Ram-Hill in the northern outskirts of Bristol with '1S51' from Plymouth going all the way to Glasgow..16 may 2009.. Standing ready to go (Driver in relaxed mood with feet on the dashboard) is 60074.Next working is '6B47' empties back to Robeston. Shown at Westerleigh 'Murco' Depot..16 may 2009.. Westerleigh Murco Terminal.Here a 'sneak-peak' through the chainlink fencing shows the TEA bogie tanks being discharged with the help of a couple of Murco-Men.Once emptying is complete train will be reformed as one ready for almost immediate departure..16 may 2009.. Having watched this engine'60074' shunt up the train together in Westerleigh-Terminal it was decided to try for a shot of the departure even though cloud cover was nearly 100%.As we struggled to this location we got soaked in a sharp rainstorm,I ripped my jeans and was rather plastered in the local mud! Anyway luckily the cloud split to produce a nice shot of '6B47' passing Westerleigh Village on its journey up the branch towards the main-line at Yate.Note the five matching old style murco tanks on the front of the consist..16 may 2009.. 1st-chance of this loco at Wickwar with '6B13' coming out of the tunnel there.Not sunny but will have to do for now.Catch it while you can as if it develops a fault that costs more than £9:99p to be fixed expect it will be un-ceremoniously dumped like 90% of class have been already!..18 may 2009.. Replacement for 60011 has turned out to be 60040,still looking quite smart after months on the coal-circuit out of Liverpool.Went searching for a shot north of this one at a place called Coaley,found it but as was pouring with rain decided it would have to wait for another day.Retired to Cam&Dursley basically to watch this working'6E41' from Westerleigh to Lindsey roar through,luckily a nice large hole appeared in the storm clouds just at the right moment allowing this portrait of the TA-Tug.Jammy or What?..19 may 2009.. 66552 'Maltby Raider' drones up through Clink with 1/2 an HBOC set and some Railtrack-Hoppers bound for the VQ at Westbury for a refill.This working '6C72' came up from Fairwater-Yard at Taunton..20 may 2009.. Surprise use has been made of this DRS engine 37607 on a Network-Rail sponsored route-learner from Westbury to Weymouth.Here '0Z37' swings through Clink nr Frome at a fair turn of speed,however all was not well as the trip was curtailed at Castle-Cary and loco was seen again about 30-mins later going back to Westbury,still going like the clappers,reason for abandonment unknown?..20 may 2009.. Crawling away from Clink-Junction is todays '6M20',usual rmc's with 66087 in charge sporting a pair of tarted up buffers..20 may 2009.. Doyen of all sheds 59001 'Bell-end first' runs through Clink heading for Whatley with a local wagon move from Westbury,note the abandoned Bothy trackside,been there now for over 10 years since used by flagmen during a manual signalling occupation..20 may 2009.. Returning the 'Chichester-Stone' empties '6V07' to Merehead is 59103,here viewed at Fairwood nr Westbury.Note the now smokeless chimney in the distance of the recently closed Cement-Works..20 may 2009.. Not 1 but 2 Hansons in the sun! 59103 heads towards the quarries as 59101 with the afternoon '7B12' to Wootton-Bassett approaches at Fairwood..20 may 2009.. Looking like it is about to haul a rake of wagons but in fact just parked is DRS 37607 sat outside the Sig-Box at Westbury ..20 may 2009.. 37607 spent rest of the day after the abortive '0Z37' trip to Weymouth sitting outside the Power-Box at Westbury.When I saw it at about 16:00 engine was running so perhaps was still in the throes of being fixed? ..20 may 2009.. Running best part of 90 minutes late '6V18' from Hither-Green to Whatley crawls up to the signal at Clink Junction.Problem was no driver at Westbury to take it forward as original man was 'out of hours' due to late running.Engine today was a rather smart 59202,here gleaming at Berkley Marsh..20 may 2009.. Although I live quite close to the mainline that this engine traverses virtually every day since it was repainted in Schenker Livery 4 months ago, this is the first 'decent' sun on the nose shot I have achieved (Not for the want of trying!). Here is the sun-shy 59206 running down past Clink heading for Merehead with the returning 'Bow Olympic-6V64'..20 may 2009.. Scooting up the Frome Avoider is '6C72' from Taunton heading for the VQ at Westbury for its daily refill of Stud-farms finest! 66618 at the head..21 may 2009.. Recently revived 47580 (formally 47732) shows off it's Stratford-Styling as it speeds through Frome as '0Z47' on it's way to Totnes to collect some loco-exhibits for the Eastleigh Open-day..21 may 2009..

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]]> Mon Sep 14 2009 Bristol-Chippenham Shuttles 24/March/2008 http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1481115.html Bank Holiday Monday 24-march-2008 saw FGW utilise "top&tail" class 67's and coaches on a series of hourly shuttle trains between Bristol TM and Chippenham due to a major blockade of the London line east of Chippenham for essential engineering work.Through trains were catered for by HST's via the B&H and these shuttles were used to fill in the "Gap" between Bristol-Bath and Chippenham. Although the weather was rather dull here are a few photos to record these subtitutions.Two sets were used,one set with both "Royals" on,the other with EW&S liveried versions. Both were full of window hangers,probably more than genuine passengers! Sets are: 67021 (CPM end) 9507 6176 5952 5997 5961 6024 1250 5987 6067 67016 (Bristol end), all ex-Virgin stock 67006 (CPM end) 3295 3277 (both ex-Anglia stock) 1200 Amber (Riviera blue & cream) 5937 6051 6027 6138 9520 (all ex-Virgin, 5937 still with Virgin branding) 67005 (Bristol end). Monday 24 March 2008: Bank Holiday Monday 24-march-2008 saw FGW utilise "top&tail" class 67's and coaches on a series of hourly shuttle trains between Bristol TM and Chippenham due to a major blockade of the London line east of Chippenham for essential engineering work.Through trains were catered for by HST's via the B&H and these shuttles were used to fill in the "Gap" between Bristol-Bath and Chippenham. Although the weather was rather dull here are a few photos to record these subtitutions.Two sets were used,one set with both "Royals" on,the other with EW&S liveried versions. Both were full of window hangers,probably more than genuine passengers! Sets are: 67021 (CPM end) 9507 6176 5952 5997 5961 6024 1250 5987 6067 67016 (Bristol end), all ex-Virgin stock 67006 (CPM end) 3295 3277 (both ex-Anglia stock) 1200 Amber (Riviera blue & cream) 5937 6051 6027 6138 9520 (all ex-Virgin, 5937 still with Virgin branding) 67005 (Bristol end).

Thingley Junction is now an official Bursting out of the very long Box-Tunnel 67006 is viewed approaching the site of another former station at Corsham.There was a lot of hope that this station was going to re-open but when the Bristol-Oxford service died a few years ago so did the hopes for Corsham and its new station..24 march 2008.. Royalty in the shape of 67006 draws a mixed rake of mk-2 coaches through the old Box station site running towards Chippenham..24 march 2008.. 67021 on a Bristol-Chippenham shuttle runs through Sydney-Gardens on the outskirts of Bath.Spring is in the air as can be seen from the flowering bushes in evidence..24 march 2008.. Rolling through Tagged on the rear of yet another shuttle 67021 (67016 on the front) slowly draws through 67016 exits the western portal of Box-Tunnel.By now (late afternoon) light was extremly dull and no further photographs of fast moving trains was possible..24 march 2008.. On an early morning working 67016 rathers speed having left Chippenham about 5 minutes before. Heading to Bristol with one intermediate stop at Bath-spa.Location is between Thingley-Junction and Corsham..24 march 2008.. Against the backdrop of the Georgian City of Bath 67021 heads out towards Chippenham,viewed here passing Thundering out of

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]]> Mon Mar 24 2008 Just a few Nameplates and Logo's http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1426015.html Nameplates come and go.Once upon a time a locomotive was named virtually for life,now most seem to last for just a few years maximum.Here is a small collection,some have already disappeared,some are still affixed...... Monday 1 October 2007: Nameplates come and go.Once upon a time a locomotive was named virtually for life,now most seem to last for just a few years maximum.Here is a small collection,some have already disappeared,some are still affixed......

31452 37674 Fragonset Class31 31128 47309 viewed whilst on 47841 66705 Golden Jubilee seen at Petersfield..23 september 2006.. Bubble 153329 43002 Mk-2 Coach 5937 still bearing the virgin insignia many years after the end of loco-haulage on XC services,seen at Chippenham..15 january 2008.. Skip 67027 Heraldic Heads Rampant seen on the cab-side of 67027 at Chippenham..14 december 2007.. Hst Power-car 43156 47701 Freshly restored to main-line condition 87002 with its original name Preserved 86401 66722 Remarkably still fitted with its nameplates after several years in store,86215 Still fitted after 2 years of open storage!!! 86223 86228 Newest of the Mendip-Rail fleet is 59005 Preserved 37901 Welded on Works-Plate on one of Mendip-Rails fleet of Stone Hoppers,no chance of nicking this piece of German Railwayania! Seen at Merehead Open-Day..22 june 2008.. Latest repainted class 60 60040 73209 66200

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]]> Mon Oct 1 2007 Class 67..GM's .....Out and about...(Hauling mainly Charter Trains but occasionally scheduled services). http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1411064.html This class of just 30 locomotives has since the demise of the Post-Office mail contracts led a somewhat nomadic existence,filling in all over the place on any type of work that has been available.If those contracts had finished a year or so earlier would almost certainly never have been built.....Still they are here now and mainly power various extra passenger trains that require loco haulage such as the VSOE and various EW&S sponsored railtours etc... Saturday 13 December 2008: This class of just 30 locomotives has since the demise of the Post-Office mail contracts led a somewhat nomadic existence,filling in all over the place on any type of work that has been available.If those contracts had finished a year or so earlier would almost certainly never have been built.....Still they are here now and mainly power various extra passenger trains that require loco haulage such as the VSOE and various EW&S sponsored railtours etc...

67029 67013 (with 67029 on the rear) on 2Z53 heading for Castle Cary from Swindon with another full train of Glastonbury Festival fans..20 june 2007.. Royal Skip 67006 with the 5Z52 Swindon-Castle Cary shuttle service conveying some of the hordes descending in Pilton for the £140 a go mud wrestling weekend..20 june 2007 67015 sweeps through Berkley Marsh Frome with 5Z56 Castle Cary-Westbury.Final train of the days diagram for Glastonbury extra's ..21 june 2007.. 67016 runs past Cockwood Harbour with a Virgin London-Victoria to Bath VSOE passes Bradford-on-Avon on the final leg of the journey through the Limpley Stoke Valley,67012 was in charge.Note the rather ugly liveried Generator Van in the consist!!.Thankfully this rather ugly livery is now history and generator van is now in the more traditional pullman style..12 january 2005.. Well! a pretty sad 4 days for the Glastonbury Festival Extra's,out of about 35 passes managed just 2 in the sun,this was not one of them.Here we have 67029 67016/17 roar through Strap-Lane-Upton Noble with 1Z86 Hove-Penzance tour,in a rare patch of blueness..28 july 2007.. The pair of Royals ran the Bristol-Weymouth service on this saturday,67005 leading through Strap-Lane, Upton Noble.reporting number 2O67,006 on the rear..28 july 2007.. 67006 hauls the return VSOE from Bath to London-Victoria(1O92) Seen here climbing Upton-Scudamore incline on a glorious august late afternoon..08 august 2007.. Skip-15 seen here on the rear of a rapidly disappearing Passing down to Frome Avoiding line,the diverted Double dose of Skip traction on this railtour bound for Parr,Most passengers will be heading for the Domes at the Eden-Project.Loco's were 67023 and 67027,location is of coarse Langstone Rock--Dawlish Warren..15 july 2006.. With headlights blazing 67030/67024 is seen with yet another Bristol-Chippenham shuttle(1Z63). Quite a surprise for FGW to actually use trains instead of buses to produce some kind of service whilst the line was closed near Swindon for track mtce..15 december 2007.. Appearing through the gloom 67003 with 67027 on the rear haul 1Z61 Chippenham-Bristol TM shuttle, seen running past the sidings at Thingley Junction.These are now in use for scrap rail recovery and processing..15 december 2007.. Seen in very dull conditions is 1Z64 Bristol TM-Chippenham shuttle with 67027 and 67003 running through Thingley with a mixed rake old anglia and virgin mk2 stock..15 december 2007.. 67024/67030 t&t 1Z62 Bristol TM-Chippenham shuttle,samwiched between loco's are 3 i/c and 5 anglia liveried mk2 coaches.It was a very dull day requiring 800asa camera rating to freeze the action!..15 december 2007.. Both 67029 The Skip 67018 runs along the Sea-wall past the expanse of Dawlish Beach(At low-tide) with the morning mail-train to Plymouth.All the mail contracts finished within a few days of this shot,so was my last RES working captured in this area..20 january 2004.. VSOE seen heading down to Cornwall for a long weekend.67024 heads 1Z67 London-Victoria to Truro on the 1st leg of this tour.Working is viewed passing Styles-Hill Frome on the avoiding line there..11 april 2008.. 1Z29.At the time this shot was taken this was billed as 67007 returns the VSOE from Bath to London-Victoria via Salisbury.Train seen climbing the incline at Upton-Scudmore shortly after passing through Westbury..14 may 2008.. No matter how they try,FGW cannot seem to be able to do away with the After the Frome stop Had to settle for this shot of The return Loco-hauled Weymouth-Bristol service was Today's Bristol-Weymouth holiday extra Using a long lens(450mm equiv) to capture the arrival at Banbury of 67001 and 67012 with their short rake of Mk 3's on the Bringing up the rear of Banbury is the first stop for the London-Marylebone to Wrexham workings.Here we see the early morning northbound working Arriving at Banbury with the early morning train to London from Wrexham are 67001 and 67012 (1P01)..17 june 2008.. Had to use a wide-angle lens here to squeeze all the scene in!.....67001 with 67012 pass the lever-frame Signal-Box at Banbury-North with Heading for the Races at Ascot 67020 with the Heading for the Races at Ascot 67020 with the Giving a nice view of the Heading north through Kings Sutton 67015/67013 with Evening picture of a The other And so it is Glastonbury Festival time again,once again FGW are providing a pair of shuttle-trains between Swindon and Taunton connecting with the Festival site at Glastonbury via a bus service from Castle-Cary.This gives maximum flexability as trains can be caught to Cary from any of the major stations on the shuttles route......Here we see 2Z34 Swindon-Taunton passing through Frome Area with 67021 and Seven ex-virgin mk 2's and 67020 on the rear.Push-Pull being preferred method of operation..26 june 2008.. 67020 with 67021 on the other end hum down the Frome-Avoider with 2Z30 09:46 Swindon-Taunton Shuttle Special conveying more punters for their yearly roll in the Mud at Glastonbury..26 june 2008..

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]]> Sat Dec 13 2008 Track Machines and other various Network Rail liveried Motorised Rolling-Stock. http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1398498.html These rather interesting pieces of machinery are found all over the rail system and are pretty much ignored.However they do form an integral part of the modern rail scene and so deserve a little recognition.This gallery will include anything that is sponsored by Network Rail ----so quite a few surprises!!!!! Monday 1 October 2007: These rather interesting pieces of machinery are found all over the rail system and are pretty much ignored.However they do form an integral part of the modern rail scene and so deserve a little recognition.This gallery will include anything that is sponsored by Network Rail ----so quite a few surprises!!!!!

DR72957,also known as the DR77903 trundles through Bunns Lane near Frome heading towards Taunton..29 may 2007.. DR73111 rolls over Fairwood Farm Crossing nr Westbury on a nice summers day..10 august 2007.. 73901 operated by Carillion runs through Clink nr Frome on an unidentified transfer move..10 august 2007.. Bit of an oddball this.Known as the Carillion operated 77319 heads up the B&H towards Reading from Westbury past Westbury Cement Works..19 october 2007.. Unidentified multiple-unit type machine stands in the siding on the down side of Woodborough Loops on the B&H.Meanwhile 59104 pulls out of the loop with the 07:12 Merehead-Acton 7A09 morning jumbo. Oh yes! that is me leaning out of the window of the 59.Managed to blag a cab ride from Westbury to Acton.Thank you very much Robin from Mendip-Rail(Photography by Mark Few--skiving off work as usual!!!!)..29 september 2005.. Met-Camm 101---901002 Ex-Class 101 unit now operated by Railtrack out and about on the B&H seen passing Colthrop Crossing east of Newbury.This unit due for the chop at end of December because of the lack of otmr equipment which is a requirement from 2008 onwards..06 october 2007.. Plasser Track-Machine DR73111 carrying the name Seco-Rail Track-Machine DR75407 rolls into Westbury on 6J84,Tavictock Junction to Swindon transfer move.Quite a journey for such a machine!Note the livery is very similar(complete with crash-helmets) to that now worn by the Strange looking piece of Infrastructure-Mtce-Equipment this,DR79263/DR79273 slows towards its destination of Swindon down yard.After a bit of research this piece of kit appears to be a Plasser & Theurer Track-Machine DR73115 coupled with DR77805 of the same manufacturer runs through Berkley nr Frome at a steady 30mph heading probably for Taunton..18 february 2008.. Amey-Infrastructure machine DR73920 rumbles through Berkley-Marsh nr Frome on a transfer move from Westbury probably to Taunton..10 april 2008.. Amey Track m/c DR73108 passing through Frome area,destination unknown?..14 april 2008 Parked in the Colas Company liveried(Similar to the Colas 47's) Track M/c DR73806 named A pair of immaculate but these days largely redundant Snow-Ploughs sit in Barton-Hill Depot in Bristol waiting for the call to Duty.Plough numbers are ADB965209 and ADB965231..25 september 2008.. Leaf-fall season now upon us.Here is seen MPV Despite the appalling light could not resist getting a shot of this unique class-150 unit designated as 950001.It runs around the country on lesser lines acting as a Colas Whilst waiting at Charfield-Loops for Named Unidentified

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]]> Mon Oct 1 2007 Electric Powered Locomotives (Passenger & Freight workings) also the more common EMU's,This includes Pendolino's. http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1395320.html Electric locomotive traction is now in the minority in this country.East Anglia now being the place to go to see "real" passenger trains.Still some freight work though and plenty of EMU's both 25-kva and 3rd rail.Not living very close to any "Voltage" means photo's are a little thin on the ground..... Monday 8 December 2008: Electric locomotive traction is now in the minority in this country.East Anglia now being the place to go to see "real" passenger trains.Still some freight work though and plenty of EMU's both 25-kva and 3rd rail.Not living very close to any "Voltage" means photo's are a little thin on the ground.....

FL liveried 86609+ an unidentified partner runs out of the tunnel mouth just off the end of Ipswich Station with a Liner bound for the Docks at Felixstowe..16.march 2004.. Parcels livery 90016 halts at Ipswich before continuing onwards to Liverpool-St from Norwich..16 march 2004.. 86230 stands at its Ipswich stop with a Norwich to Liverpool-St Express..16 march 2004.. 86223 negotiates the junction at Manningtree with a train for Liverpool-St..16 march 2004.. 91002 Work continues to widen the Trent Valley section of the West Coast Main Line (WCML) north of Tamworth. This was the scene at a location called Hanch.A Pendolino speeds south at full line speed..21 march 2007.. Freightliner heading south behind 90016 at Hanch,north of Tamworth on the WCML..21 march 2007.. 86501 speeds north through Grendon with 4M87 Felizstowe-Trafford Park..21 march 2007.. Desiro 450 005 runs through Eastliegh non-stop with a Waterloo to Bournemouth Express..05 june 2007.. Some of the final class 87's to migrate to Long-Marston were 87007/008/006 and 87026.here seen passing through the gate to the complex hauled by 47828.All are destined to work again but not in the UK but Bulgaria.Certainly too good for scrap!..03 july 2007.. Desiro 444 004 sweeps round the curves at Maritime in Southampton heading a 10 coach formation on a Bournemouth-Waterloo service..31 july 2007.. Ex-works Parcels liveried 86419 partners 86602 on a north-bound freightliner through Norton-Bridge on the WCML.Destination unknown..Early 1990's.. At this time still a very new locomotive 90006 races through the middle road at Stafford with a north-bound express..Late 1980's.. 87015 Pendolino 390-005 rushes past Comberford in the Trent Valley with a Euston bound Express..23 october 2007.. 90016 heads north on 4M81.Seen at Comberford wearing a rather nice shade of green!..23 october 2007.. Felixstowe-Crewe Liner(4M88) is usually hauled by a single class 90..Today however a pair of 86's were produced.86609/86637 head towards Crewe through Comberford about 3 miles north of Tamworth..23 october 2007.. 4L92,a regular double-headed 86 turn seen going south through Comberford with 86622/86605 in charge.Both pantographs are up so both locomotives are under power..23 october 2007.. 87004 90008/87012 combination pushing it's way to Euston past Leighton-Buzzard..1 may 1999.. Looking immaculate possibly on its first outing since conversion to a Loadbank test Loco 86901(You can just see 86902 behind it) stands sandwiched between 66531 and 66601 on the WCML on the Northampton loop during a weekend occupation..28 december 2007.. 92025 passes south through Rugby with 3 class 90's being transferred,probably to Willesden..28 december 2007.. 73212 with unusually 73223 on other end of train(dvt problems?) seen leaving Gatwick Airport Station(about 200 yards away)..24 july 1999.. 73213 making its final approach to Gatwick with yet another express from London-Victoria..24 july 1999.. Barbie 5 doors 86238 races into the setting sun in the late afternoon at Marks-Tey with a London bound working from Norwich..16 march 2004.. Then still quite new, EWS Liveried 73133 Something that will never happen again is 87023 hurries by at Heimes-Farm north of Norton-Bridge on the WCML..13 november 2001.. 87024 swings through the curve at Swallowford south of Norton-Bridge under a (nearly) cloudless sky..13 november 2001.. In full 86256 Racing the setting sun on a winters day 87030 heads north through Heimes Farm nr Norton-Bridge..13 november 2001.. 86234 stands at Crewe with a northbound express,note no TDM cables,all trains then were loco-hauled,no push-pull.Although now 30 years later later loco went on to a career in East Anglia until a few years ago.Now stored at Long-Marston awaiting possible re-use..July 1977.. 86232 pauses at Stafford with a southbound working..Autumn 1977.. Two visitor from Kent.Working as 0V02 from Tonbridge,66731 and 73209 amble up the Merehead Branch in readiness for the Big Parked in the yard of the now quite busy Green liveried 3-CIG Lymington-Flyer The Lymington Heritage-Green Having done it's end-swap for tyre-wear reduction purposes Slammer

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]]> Mon Dec 8 2008 Lost in France (Class 37's on French Duty) http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1364091.html During 1999 and 2000 a total of 42 redundant Class 37's were sent to Southern France to participate in the construction of the new TGV route from Paris to Marsailles.Based at Eurre depot near Montelimar. Locos worked mainly on track construction trains or ballast laying duties.Myself,Mark Few and Jerry Steele made the trip.We drove down 500 miles from Cherbourg overnight.It took 14 hours.When we arrived the car(a Rover 400D)decided to break down so we had to hire a Megane Scenic for a few days.Great fun thrashing someone else's motor round the narrow local lanes in that area.Rover was fixed after a few days and a more sedate pace then followed.In all took about 400 slides over 6 days.The selection shown here are a balanced view of that memorable week..... Saturday 27 October 2007: During 1999 and 2000 a total of 42 redundant Class 37's were sent to Southern France to participate in the construction of the new TGV route from Paris to Marsailles.Based at Eurre depot near Montelimar. Locos worked mainly on track construction trains or ballast laying duties.Myself,Mark Few and Jerry Steele made the trip.We drove down 500 miles from Cherbourg overnight.It took 14 hours.When we arrived the car(a Rover 400D)decided to break down so we had to hire a Megane Scenic for a few days.Great fun thrashing someone else's motor round the narrow local lanes in that area.Rover was fixed after a few days and a more sedate pace then followed.In all took about 400 slides over 6 days.The selection shown here are a balanced view of that memorable week.....

Pair of Transrail liveried 37's stand on new overbridge at Feveyrolles straddling the D59..date to be identified.. 37683/37693 seen at work laying ballast with a ganger crew of algerians.Location is Chateaneu..09 march 2000.. On the first day after we arrived our car failed and so we were confined for 1/2 a day to the area around about our Hotel.Luckily it was near the local main-line so a few hours were spent Some of the local trains were loco & coaches(nice) sncf bb class no 7406 goes south at Saulce's rhone.note the graffitti on 1st coach,not just an english problem!!!..05 march 2000.. 37010 and 37133 (Both now sadly dismantled for scrap) stand adjacent to one of the many vineyards in this area around Allen..06 march 2000.. 37894/37891 stand at Allen waiting to return to base at Eurre..06 march 2000.. 37894/37891 with 37010/37133 on the rear are seen laying ballast.In the foreground is the Megane we had to hire after demise of our own transport for a few days.Bit of luck really as the Renault had A/Con and it was certainly needed in the heat of the day..06 march 2000.. 37894/37891 sit at Allen waiting to return to Eurre after a days work..06 march 2000.. 37293 and 37294 stand on the high embankment across the flat valley at Pierreletta waiting the call forward to drop ballast..06 march 2000.. Standing on the embankment built across the valley at Pierreletta are 37376/37058 with a rake of ballast wagons ready to dress fresh track laid in this area.note only one line laid at this time.2nd track being laid about 1/4 mile behind this train..06 march 2000.. 37071 stands sentinal on the Pierreletta embankment with a local Chateau in the background..06 march 2000.. Inter-city liveried 37685 with 37672 moving between sectors at a place called Couvent de beauvoir.loco's on rear were 37696/37708.. At Donzere a local freight branch-line passed under the new TGV route.Here we see an SNCF 0-4-0 diesel switcher with a train of steel gondola's containing stone products?Train passed directly under a pair of EE type 3's..09 march 2000.. 37803/37515 with the Railhead train for 1st line seen heading back to the base at Eurre.Locomotives are working flat out(all 4 of them) as after crossing this bridge at Donzere. Next 1/2 mile is up an incline that makes the Lickey-incline look flat.TGV lines go in straight lines and largely ignore need for level track due to the trains(tgv's) being so powerful.37515/37803/37891 and 37894 do the honours.Pretty impressive thrash this was! Of interest in the background can be seen one of France's many nuclear power stations..08 march 2000.. One morning at Allen there was a bit of a holdup and at one stage there was 15 37's all throbbing away in the sunshine!This shot shows just 8 of them viewed through the local vineyard..08 march 2000.. The lead railhead train was sometimes treble headed and ran out from the Eurre base in the reverse direction so that all the stores and tools were as close as possible to the work-site.Here we see 37796/37261 and 37196 basking in the sun under clear blue skies at a village called Les-branches..09 march 2000.. 37074/37162 with 37146/37137 on the rear stand at Espeluche adjacent to the local toll motorway(Nice to Paris) waiting for the gang of travelling algerians to commence ballast dropping..09 march 2000.. 37515/37803/37891/37894/37074 and 37162 are all seen framed in some drainage pipes left lying around at the worksite at Les-Branches..10 march 2000.. 37100/37077 stand ready for another days ballasting.Seen at Allen,the gathering point for most of the trains early in the morning..08 march 2000.. 37010/37170 stand parked on a new overbridge at feveyrolles.Having now emptied the wagons train now waiting to return to base at Eurre in the evening..09 march 2000.. 37100/37077 with 37250 and 37069(now DRS) runs down hill out of the sun moving between work-sites.This area known as Puygiron..08 march 2000.. With a foreground of old farm machinery 37058/37376 cross the valley at Donzere with the 2nd line stores and sleeper train..10 march 2000..

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]]> Sat Oct 27 2007 Pre-Digital Scanned Transparencies and Prints.(Will move after about a month to appropriate gallery) http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1348044.html Older scanned Transparencies will appear here for about a month before being shunted off to the appropriate gallery. For older images see the other galleries: Monday 7 September 2009: Older scanned Transparencies will appear here for about a month before being shunted off to the appropriate gallery. For older images see the other galleries:

This was a one time only happening,DRS 37611 was hired for use on the Rhymney-Valley line for a rugby-day in Cardiff probably due to a shortage of local traction.Here it is seen heading towards Cardiff at Llandradach,viewed from the footbrige there..03 february 2001.. A pair of GM bodysnatchers! 57007/57012 sweep down through Culham,north of Didcot with 37611 again! this time viewed from the infamous field at Ystrad-Mynach with a Cardiff bound working..03 february 2001.. At this time A visit was made to the S&C one weekend 10 years ago to record this working.D9000 was rostered to perform a regular diagram for Virgin during diversions that took place that day.Viewed heading south in typical S&C conditions viewed approaching the northern portal of Shotwick-Tunnel..13 march 1999.. Coming out of the rising morning sun 47848 heads north on the S&C at Shotwick with a weekend Virgin diverted service away from the WCML.This loco is now with Riviera Trains and is currently named Virgin Power-Car 43093 draws its I/C liveried trainset off Ribblehead Viaduct heading north with a WCML diverted working on to the S&C..13 march 1999.. Now dead & buried as UK traction, 58's will live on elsewhere in Europe on various contracting missions! Here is seen 58017 leaving Westbury heading for Exeter with another load of stone products destined for use on the Honiton Bypass project..15 march 1999.. This was one of the first times GM power was used on the then regular Burngullow to Dollands-Moor China Clay export train to Italy through the Channel Tunnel.Here viewed at Great-Cheverill on the B&H are 66065 and (brand new) 66081 with their load of polybulks in tow..15 march 1999.. Running towards Didcot at Dunsomer Hill is seen 37696 with a long rake of barriers wagons.At this time these were being used on the underground tube-stock-moves to the Midlands from London for refurbishment..17 march 1999.. 56041 rolls past 31203 with the OOC to OOC vacuum trainer (5Z31) via B&H,Melksham and Swindon recorded running up the slow (where else) on the final leg back to the Capital..17 march 1999.. Skirting the K&A Canal near Crofton is seen 31203 with the Vacuum trainer on its first leg of the nearly 200mile round trip from OOC and return via Melksham..18 march 1999.. Every year Foster-Yeoman organise a rail trip for the benefit mainly of its employee's.These trips have gone all over the place but generally the destinations are seaside resorts.This particular train hauled by 59001 and 59103 started in Bristol and the destination was Paignton.Train is seen as it was leaving Frome after a pick-up on the single line before Blatchbridge Junction..03 may 1999.. Occasionally when 37's were unavailable RES engines doing nothing at Bristol Bath-Road depot were pressed into service on the Bristol to Weymouth diagrams.Here is seen 47584(THE LOCOMOTIVE & CARRIAGE INSTITUTION 1911) standing in Westbury at the end of its days work with the final train up from Weymouth.Nameplate on the loco was quite interesting as it was cast as circular not the conventional straight style..27 april 1999.. Totally plastered in weedkilling residue 37220 with partner 37216 bring the An early shot of a still immaculate 66030 on Calvert to Newly reliveried 08466 brings a rake of bolster type wagons off the Docks branch at Splott-Junction Cardiff..24 april 1999.. Newport ADJ to Swansea-Burrows Enterprise trip seen passing Pengham nr Cardiff.At this time this was still the Welsh-Capitals F-liner depot.The gantry in the background was dismantled and re-used just down the road at Wentloog.Loco on this working is 56049,one of a batch of 56's selected for infrastructure use,but after relivery into engineers dutch was never used..24 april 1999.. Local Stalwart 37412 speeds round the bend at Ferry-lane in the Limpley Stoke Valley with the morning train from Weymouth to Bristol..13 may 1999.. Raising a fair racket multiple-working 37693 and 37351 thud up through Frome with a loaded ballast from Meldon..10 may 1999.. An interesting working for a while was the Slag trains from Llanwern Steel-Works down to Cardiff Docks.This waste material was used to help construction on the Cardiff bay Project.Usually diagrammed for 37/9 or 37 heavies with an occasional 56.Returning empties seen at the junction nr Pengham waiting the road for trip to Llanwern is 37704..24 april 1999.. Running as Mainline Liviried Tug 60077 hurries through Bridgend with a Running at full line-speed 37418 runs through Holywell-Junction with a Holyhead-Crewe train.The remnants of the once extensive 4-tracks that ran pretty much all the way from Chester to Bangor can still be seen here..15 may 1999.. Rounding the sharp curve approaching Degenwy Station with a working from Llandudno-Town to the Junctionis seen 101683.Note the check-rails on both tracks..In the distance can be seen Returning to the quarries for a refill is seen 37264/37505.These workings from Merehead to Exeter were in connection with the building of the Honiton Bypass on the A303.Location of this scene is Somerton..16 may 1999.. A light sprinkling of snow produced this wintry scene even though it was in fact mid-april! Here is viewed 37414 arriving at Bruton Station with the morning service from Weymouth to Bristol..15 april 1999.. The afternoon Eastleigh-Westbury Engineers drops down Upton-Scudamore incline on the final approaches to Westbury just 2 miles away.Today the working hauled by 58027 had some kind of self-discharge set in the consist..15 april 1999.. A nice surprise whilst photographing Bubbles and Fragonset 31's on the Bedford-Bletchley line was the appearance of this Engineers-train heading towards Bletchley.Viewed passing Woburn-Sands is 37883 looking quite smart in the then relatively new ew&s livery..01 june 1999.. Pairs of Bubbles were used on this line from Bletchley to Bedford.In the last 10 years line has been fully modernised from the run down set up in 1999.Here we see 55031 leading a pair of 121's at Kempston near Bedford with a west bound working..01 june 1999.. Dutch coloured 31203 rounds the bend at Ladydown nr Trowbridge with the OOC to OOC Vacuum training train via Melksham and Swindon.This train ran for several weeks to give refresher coarses to drivers for the few remaining vacuum wagons sets left on the region at this time..19 march 1999.. After being restored to near original condition prior to donation to the National Collection at the NRM York 37350 (D6700) roamed the system doing useful work until the end of 1999.Here it is seen departing Westbury with a sunday engineering train heading for Exeter..17 april 1999.. Running in the short lived RfD 47033 hauls a long train of Rover-Cars for export through Southampton from Longbridge,the then very active manufacturing plant for Rover in the midlands.Today (10 years later) Loco,Rover factory,wagons and probably most of the cars are long gone.Such is the speed of change in the Industrial UK. Location is Moreton Cutting just east of Didcot..17 march 1999.. This locomotive 47826 was to remain Inter-City right to the end of LCHS with Virgin and is still with us today plying it's trade for 47847 when it was just another I/C 47 runs through Holywell-Junction on the North-Wales Coast route.Working was the midday Holyhead to Euston service.DVT 82126 behind loco would take over at Crewe with help from a pushing 25kva loco for rest of journey to the capital..15 may 1999.. Nameless 37424 swings under Linsvale bridge on the Frome Station loop with the evening Bristol to Weymouth working..08 july 1999.. Against a backdrop of a field of Linseed 58040 and 58045 are viewed with a short set of empty boxes heading for the quarries.Unbelievably both engines are supposed to be the same colour!.Viewed at Berkley between Westbury and Frome..08 july 1999.. 60026 ambles slowly down through Cwmn with a set of empty steel coil carriers.Scenes like this on the Ebbw-Vale line are now history as the steel works there are now just a memory.Line remains open for the new re-introduced passenger services down the line currently just to Newport..12 july 1999.. Unusually employed on a Exeter-Paddington morning service was 47768,probably due to unavailabily of 37423 then named Still retaining Inter-City livery but drawing a repainted set of trailers 43099 swoops round the quite sharp bend at Shaldon-Bridge with a northbound working.Shortly after this time, shot was ruined by 47806 runs up the Exe Estuary with a northbound Virgin service near to Shaldon-Bridge Marina.Now running as 57309 and named Shove-Duff 47702 47845

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]]> Mon Sep 7 2009 Locomotive Portraits over the years http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1334869.html Amazing how many times you end up doing a shot of just the Engine on a train,Light Engines,park-up shots or even posed shots at open-days and Gala's. Friday 27 July 2007: Amazing how many times you end up doing a shot of just the Engine on a train,Light Engines,park-up shots or even posed shots at open-days and Gala's.

86615 and 57009 take a break on the stabling point adjacent to Ipswich Station..16 march 2004.. 47303 60008/60091 sit inside Margam depot awaiting Mtce,with all the gear that entails littered around them..23 january 2005.. 37403 seen dumped at Margam depot in open storage,paint badly faded and rust now taken a hold.Will probably never run again..23 january 2005.. 57011 receives light maintenance on Southampton Maritime FL depot...This loco now off-lease and heading for DRS owner-ship..27 september 2005.. Looking quite smart but destined to never run on the mainline again under it's own power,47200 Crompton 33035 freshly painted seen at Eastliegh open day ..Sept 1992.. Peak 45128 stands at Westbury station shortly before withdrawal..Autumn 1988.... 47555 stands 47828 runs through the entrance gate of the Long-Marston storage depot with 87026/006/008 and 007.Visible are some of the many wagons of various types that reside here.This is almost certainly the last delivery of 87's as the remaining 2 on the mainline are in regular use(Update..30 january 2008)The very last 87's to run on main-line 87022/28 plus 87002 have now joined the rest of the fleet here for storage.Within a year the bulk of these are to be exported for further use in Bulgaria.2 loco's already there and working well, so this appears to be a done-deal.Good news really,at least class87's will live on in a country that appreciates the value of modern electric locomotives,unlike this sad,narrow minded cheapscape DMU culture we have to put up with!!!!!..03 july 2007.. 87007.008/006/026 now sit in the sun along with 47828 having just arrived.Loco's to be refurbished for further use in Bulgaria,why not England and Scotland????..03 july 2007.. As we approach the end game for most of the older UK built traction here is a shot to record the undignified end to 37220,devoid of its engine(given up to 37422 though later rejected as clapped out) seen sitting amongst the weeds and bushes at Long Marston.Not long for this world,dying aged 44(approx).Finally dismantled at Kingsbury in early september.RIP..Loco next to it 37170 however has a brighter future,scheduled to go to Barrow Hill for overhaul ..03 july 2007.. Swindon-built Warship D818 stands next to the turntable at Swindon Works during the 1979 open day.Thought at the time to be safe and bound for preservation.This was not to be and was cut up shortly after the works were told it was to close..19 may 1979.. Green Celebrity 33008 sits at a signal in the platform at Eastliegh..Sept 1992.. 47468/56049 stand at Crewe works ex-works..4 july 1987.. Brand new Locomotive provisional number 87201 stands inside Crewe Works in nearly completed condition.Loco was subsequently released to traffic numbered as 90001,so the class 90 variant was born..4 july 1987.. Inside Crewe Works.At this time one of the main activities was converting A rather sad picture this.86211 Class 40 No 40028,D228 in old money 40091 and 85001 stand abandoned in the scrap-line near Eagle-bridge in Crewe works,85001 was to survive to become part of the national collection in York..04 july 1987.. 40195 stands in the scrap-line near Eagle-Bridge in Crewe Works waiting for the cutters torch.End finally arrived in December 1988.Also seen is 40091.There was a birds nest in the front sand-box on the bogie of this locomotive!!..04 july 1987.. Class 40 Eastleigh Yard----- viewed from the Petrol Station across the Mainline can be seen(just, amongst the Buddleia,Willow-herb and weeds) some of the stored(abandoned more like) Class-58 loco's,some of which have recently returned from duty in France.Seen are 58037/33/13 and 002-----Shot taken with a 35mm equivilant lens of 400mm!..31 july 2007.. Now named Now this locomotive has made it's public debut as 47749 47815 forms 0Z90-OOC to Laira ready for another stock move in the morning.Viewed at Berkley Marsh.Lighting was perfect,shame there was no carriages behind the loco..23 august 2007.. A peep inside Toton main Mtce depot.37073 undergoing some serious remedial work.(All the engine covers are removed)..30 august 1998.. 87028 brings up the rear of the 0Z48 transfer move from Willesden to Long-Marston..29 january.2008.. Centre Loco in the convoy to Long-Marston from Willesdon was 87002,interestingly still carrying its nameplates.There is a possibility this one may stay behind in the UK after rest are exported.The AC Locomotive Group are potential new owners it is believed.Time will tell.Stationary Loco recorded in Swindon Down Yard(over the fence)..29 january 2008.. ..footnote..On 27th april 2008 AC Loco Group has announced the purchase for preservation of this loco,to be returned to main-line service very soon after receiving an 87022 seen in the transfer convoy from Willesden to Long-Marston as it slows for a scheduled stop in Swindon..29 january 2008.. Captured sitting in the sun at Theale just prior to working Tail-end Charlie on 0M89 was 87007.Looks much the same as when it went into Long-Marston as few months ago,still wearing basically Close-up of 87008/87007 as they roll through Honeybourne on their journey from Long-Marston to Crewe for electrical tests prior to export to Bulgaria..22 april 2008.. Up-close view of 87026 in full Bulgarian livery.fully repainted and a nice job as well.Seen at Honeybourne on its way to Crewe from Long-Marston..22 april 2008.. Long-Marston-Crewe convoy 0M89.66723 hauls 87026/87008/87007 away from Honeybourne shortly after leaving the spur to the LM depot..22 april 2008.. Whilst waiting at the Bridge near the entrance of Long-Marston for the Bulgarian Class-87 move,noticed this stored loco(86230 I think?) peeking out from behind some ferry-vans.Although about 3/4 of a mile away using a 300mm tele lens on an eos digi results in approx 460mm tele! so was able to grab this shot.Not bad for hand held!..22 april 2008.. Westbury Depot was one of the last places see Western Class Loco's.Final workings were on the Mendip Stone trains.Here we see D1053 D1053 One of the Swindon built D1005 The view from the road bridge at Westbury looking towards the Diesel Depot on a sunday afternoon.Not much activity as no stone trains ran on sundays.Note majority of loco's on shed were D1005 Now in the National Collection D1023 An interesting comparison between class 59/2 and 66. Body shell is almost identical but many other things such as bogies,fuel-tanks and exhaust are quite different.59205 and 66094 at Frome..01 july 2008.. Parked around the back of Bristol SFM Depot was lone Power-Car 43037,able to photograph this here through the The One of the Here is the Revised/revised Aggregate-Industries Livery on 59001.Original light-blue lower band now replaced with a greenish look.Loco seen in company with 59005 returning from Eastleigh where the repaint was done. 2 down--------2 to go!..18 august 2008..

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]]> Fri Jul 27 2007 Steam around Britain up to 1968(end of Main-line workings) http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1328043.html Manages to get a 35mm camera in 1964.here are some of the better images I managed to take in this period.Many of the old 35mm negs are not in very good condition but from a historical point of view make their viewing worthwhile.... Tuesday 17 July 2007: Manages to get a 35mm camera in 1964.here are some of the better images I managed to take in this period.Many of the old 35mm negs are not in very good condition but from a historical point of view make their viewing worthwhile....

60835,one of the V2 namers seen here on the steam driven turntable on St Margaret's shed 64A Edinburgh.. August 1965.. 80123 seen here on carriage stock workings at Glasgow Central station ..August 1965.. 4630 pannier tank parked at the rear of Bristol Barrow road shed in 1965...On next visit a week later was gone so was probably repaired. Quite an historic photo this.It shows 4079 An original stanier domeless black5 45011 resting round the back in Dalry road shed Edinburgh ..August 1965.. Ex Cally 4-4-0 54465 lying in Carstairs shed yard in 1964.Photo taken on a brownie 127.oh! for an eos then!!!!! Black5 44698 stopped at signals near St Margaret's shed Edinburgh.Note the highland tablet catcher still fitted! ..August 1965.. This scene at Westbury shed shows modified hall class loco 7917..In the back ground an ex-southern mogul 2-6-0 31798 lies in the scrap roads resting during its journey to south wales for cutting up..1964.. 34101stands under the coaling facility at Eastleigh Shed, just visible are the fixing bolts on the deflectors where this loco had the Golden Arrow emblem affixed when it was a regular loco on this famous train..Spring 1966.. Mogul class 4 (2-6-0) in the process of being broken up in the goods yard of Weymouth Station.Loco number was 76053 ..July 1967.. A standard class loco and two MN Pacifics sit retired at the back of Weymouth running shed in the summer of 1967. ..July 1967.. Bullied unrebuilt pacific 34015 runs into Eastleigh on a London bound express...note insulators already in place for the forthcoming 3rd rail electrification..Spring 1966.. Britannia class loco 70004 Suprisingly still complete with its nameplates 34013 As Swindon works had virtually finished overhauling WR steam in late 1964 locomotives from the LMR were to be seen there getting full overhauls.Why? beggers belief as steam was being withdrawn at the rate of hundreds per month by this time.One lucky loco was stanier 2-6-0 42954 seen here at Warminster after being used as a banker for a southern region bound loco coal train.This was a total surprise as steam was virtually extinct at Westbury by this time.. Apparantly it had just arrived in Westbury on a short goods from Swindon,obviously a running in turn and was purlioned to do this banking job..Loco only lasted 17 months as it was then withdrawn and scrapped? ..17 november 1965.. Austerity 2-8-0 90709 rests at York MPD.Behind it you can see lines of withdrawn ex-Lner types,including V2's and A1 pacifics..August 1965.. During August 1965 just before starting work I spent a week in Scotland riding around behind as much steam as possible.One such journey was from Aberdeen to Glasgow on one of the famous 3 hours expresses powered by these locomotives.Spent the whole of the journey 7029 60532 stands in Salisbury taking water during the LCGB railtour.Just imagine all those people on the track now during a railtour! Health and Safety would have a wobbly!..14 august 1966.. Un-named Grange 6846 stands in steam round the back of Barrow-Road Depot in Bristol.Western loco's ended up allocated here after the closure of St Phillips Marsh Shed(WR) that year..Spring 1965.. Standard class 2-6-4 tank 80152 stands in Warminster station after a spot of shunting there,before heading back to Salisbury.This was the last steam engine I ever saw in Warminster actually working before the official end of steam on BR..04 july 1966.. Standard class 5 73020 runs into Westbury at Fairwood with a local stopper from Weymouth to Westbury..Nov 1964.. Ramsbury Manor 7829 is viewed coming off shed at Westbury..October 1965.. Tanky 4593 stands in the scrap sidings at Westbury Depot along with other condemned loco's..October 1964.. Class B1 61343 exits the tunnel at St Margarets-Edinburgh with a passenger train bound for Hawick on the Waverley route..13 august 1965.. Class J36 65234 performs its final duties before scrapping.Here we see her as a stationary boiler supplying steam at St-Margarets Depot(64A) Edinburgh..13 august 1965.. Surprisingly clean V2 60973 viewed at St-Margarets Depot (Edinburgh) having just backed on to the shed from Waverley Station..13 august 1965.. Clan Pacific 72008 stands on Perth MPD..13 august 1965.. Britannia Pacific A2 Peppercorn Pacifics 60530 Modified Hall 7924 LMS mogul 42954 stands at Warminster after banking a freight up from Westbury.This ex-works(Swindon) loco lasted just 15 months before the cutters torch called..17 november 1965.. Thompson Pacific 60512 About 1/2 a miles towards Southampton after Salisbury tunnel junction was a small goods yard at a place known as Milford.Here we see Ivatt tank 41320 resting in this yard after the morning shunt..Spring 1965.. Perth Station see's Britannia Pacific 70037 waiting in the centre roads with the Aberdeen Can it really be 42 years since I took this picture with my When I was 16 and just before starting work for One of the few GWR classes not represented in preservation are the Britannia Pacific 70004 Unidentified Rebuilt Bullied Light-Pacific sweeps through Eastleigh on the down fast with an express probably for Bournemouth.Waiting for the express to pass is a standard class-4 on a stopping train.Electrification by 3rd-rail was only a few months away,note the insulaters already fitted to take the 3rd(power) rail..Spring 1966.. Hammering through Eastleigh with a non-stop Bournemouth Express is a rebuilt Bullied WC/BB Pacific.Looking fairly unkempt with both its name and numberplates missing,either removed for safekeeping or stolen in the dead of the night..Spring 1966.. Empty Stock duties in Glasgow-Central at this time was performed by Standard Class 4 2-6-4 Tank Locomotives.Here is seen 80121 removing a rake from the Terminus.Note first coach behind loco is a Stanier LMS design..August 1965.. With all the fuss lately about the new Thompson B1 61344 viewed running past Fairburn 2-6-4 42690 seen stored at Eastfield Shed in Glasgow.Laid aside with all its valve-gear carefully greased in case a return to service was required.Almost certainly this never happened and another perfectly serviceable piece of machinary goes to waste..August 1965.. L&SWR Adams Class 02 tanks were used on the Isle of Wight Rly right up to the end of steam and conversion to a 3rd rail electric system.here we see No-33

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]]> Tue Jul 17 2007 Barry Island Scrap-Yard http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1321570.html First visited the Woodhams Barry scrap yard in August-1968.I rode over there from Wiltshire on a 350cc "DB32GS" BSA Gold-Star, A 200 miles round trip,quite a distance in those days on an old motorbike(Motorway ran out near Newport) It as a scorching hot day in the late summer around the time the final steam loco's were running in the north of England.In all, at that time there was over 200 locos lined up waiting the cutters torch.It was impossible to believe then that virtually all engines dumped here would be preserved in one way or another.The first engine to leave LMS 0-6-0 43924 was still there (Set aside ready to go).....Photographs then were taken on a Halina 35X using Agfa-Gevaert Transparancy stock.....two other visits were made in the 70'sbut did not go after that because loco's were getting really tatty and visibly badly robbed of parts....Still a moving experience even then though!! Wednesday 19 August 2009: First visited the Woodhams Barry scrap yard in August-1968.I rode over there from Wiltshire on a 350cc "DB32GS" BSA Gold-Star, A 200 miles round trip,quite a distance in those days on an old motorbike(Motorway ran out near Newport) It as a scorching hot day in the late summer around the time the final steam loco's were running in the north of England.In all, at that time there was over 200 locos lined up waiting the cutters torch.It was impossible to believe then that virtually all engines dumped here would be preserved in one way or another.The first engine to leave LMS 0-6-0 43924 was still there (Set aside ready to go).....Photographs then were taken on a Halina 35X using Agfa-Gevaert Transparancy stock.....two other visits were made in the 70'sbut did not go after that because loco's were getting really tatty and visibly badly robbed of parts....Still a moving experience even then though!!

34101/35022 sunbathing amongst the weeds and bushes. ..05 may1974.. 9F 92085 was one of the unlucky ones.When sales of locomotives to preservationists started to slow Di Woodham pulled a master stroke and chopped a couple of loco's,this being one of them.Naturally after this sales picked up nicely!..05 may 1974.. Bullied Pacific's 35022 and 34101 sit cab to cab in the scaplines at Barry island.This shot illustrates perfectly the differance between the General view of some of the lines of loco's parked up.An original gwr heavy goods(2800 class),a later type heavy goods(2884 class),a 42++ heavy tank.several Bullieds and D601 can be seen in this view. ..Summer of 1974.. Unidentified GWR 2884 class heavy goods looks in a dire way after spending nearly 10 years sat in the yard,Boiler bands have sprung away exposing deadly Asbestos to the outside world.Believe shortly afterwards Woodhams had to get all the worst loco's in the yard decontaminated by removing all cladding and asbestos insulation from the boilers. ..Summer of 1974.. Originally numbered 9303 this engine became 7325 and was withdrawn and sent to Woodhams as such.Even though had been there for several years this engine was virtually complete,the copper top-feed cap was still there.Note the ash on the front plating,evidence of it's final servicing before withdrawal..Eventually sold into preservation this engine ended up at the Severn-valley Railway and is now once again a working engine..August 1968.. 48173 stands in the sunshine awaiting rescue.This came 14 years later in 1988.sadly no work has been carried out on this loco to date(2007) and it is in a worse state now than when in the scrapyard..Summer of 1974.. An interesting comparison of front ends of a 9F and a Bullied Pacific shows how when rebuilt the bullieds were loosely designed to resemble the then new standard class designs,both loco's are unidentified..Summer of 1974.. The only Hawksworth tank loco to go to Woodhams and survive was 9466.Seen here with Barry town in the background..August 1968.. Still complete with their copper capped double chimney's the two famous Barry Kings 6023/6024 stand together at the far end of Woodhams yard next to the Car-Park used for day trippers buses.Most are old Duple type and look very old fashioned now.Note the non-corridor DMU crossing over the bridge to Barry Island proper as well in the background..August 1968.. Project impossible! With it's rear drivers chopped due to a derailment during shunt operations(easier than re-railing) 6023 stands at the end of the yard seemingly forgotten.10 years later went to Bristol then later to Didcot for re-build.Happily in 2007(33 years later) loco is just about ready to steam again fully restored as an original single chimney King..05 may 1974.. 34073 The only Ex-LNER loco to make it to Barry was B1 class 4-6-0 No 61264.2 years later this loco went to the GCR for restoration.However due to a stint after mainline duty was over as a departmental stationary boiler a lot of damage was done to the firebox.Thankfully modern welding techniques saved the day,loco now a regular on the mainline..05 may 1974.. 2857, a GWR 2-8-0 shows some attention from would be buyers in the top-yard at Barry.later to go to the Severn valley Railway,this loco now enjoys a pampered retirement..05 may 1974.. Viewed from the cab of a Southern Railway S15 several other Members of same class can be seen.All survived to steam again..05 may 1974.. Standard class 73156 sits partly stripped in the main yard.Rescue came 12 years later in 1986..05 may 1974.. Now the real tragedy of the Barry scapyard saga was the loss of the North-British built original series Warship class loco D601 71000 as she arrived in Woodhams yard at Barry.Shot taken in aug 1968 about the time of last steam locos were withdrawn from main-line service.Cylinders are missing,one went to NRM for display,other side was removed to even up weight for towing away for scrap.Originally the BTC board had decreed this loco was to be saved for national collection but changed mind and preserved one cylinder block only.The main interest on this loco was the caprotti valve gear fitted,hence preservation of cylinder only.As we all know this machine is now fully restored and in truth is the finest preserved loco around given the efforts needed to restore her and the performance produced when out running.Photo also shows the original Hard to believe this hulk in actually 5029 Wearing lined passenger green livery 6634 awaits rescue at Woodhams yard at Barry.Loco was done in these colours due to its extensive use in the welsh valleys on local passenger trains around its home base of Pontypool Road depot..Summer 1974.. Southern engines were quite plentiful in Woodhams,In fact without this place no S15 types would have survived into preservation,this one,30825 included..August 1968.. Now restored and kept at Didcot GWR 2-6-0 5322 is seen dumped in Woodhams Yard waiting for its fate.Still complete with all fittings including brass top-feed cover,a far cry from how they looked 20 yrs later..August 1968.. 46521 with Standard class brother 78022 sit in the hot sunlight in the middle of the rows of loco's at Woodhams in Barry.9F is unidentified,both the 2-6-0's lived to fight another day.46521 was taken to the Severn Valley Rly 3 years later and hauled trains again by 1974.Note how complete it was,even the oilers were still present on the running plates..August 1968.. The Classic general view of just how massive a collection of locomotives were stored at the Barry Docks site.Certain engines are easily recognised,61264,34007,30541 and 34105.All were to return to steam in the future.In all nearly 100 engines are visable in this single shot alone..August 1968.. The very first engine to leave Barry for preservation was LMS 0-6-0 43924.Arrived in 1965 and departed about a few weeks after this shot was taken in September 1968.This engine was virtually complete,even the injectors and gauges were still fitted.Due to its completeness and good general condition engine was steamed again in 1970,less than 2 years after leaving the yard..August 1968.. Now fully operational on the Watercress-Line this engine 31874 spent 10 years patiently waiting for rescue.Location is of coarse Woodhams Yard in South-Wales..August 1968.. Standard Tank 80135 with 80079 stand together in Woodhams Yard.Both went on to steam again.At this time both loco's were less than 15 years old.A sad waste of many years of useful work!..August 1968.. 4983 Wearing a coat of brunswick-green this engine 5643 was obviously used at one time on passenger work in and around the local valleys.Seen in Woodhams slumbering..August 1968.. Southern Railway Class S15,the mixed traffic version of the BR 2-10-0 9F 92085 'The one that got away' Chopped up as a publicity stunt.It certainly worked as subsequently sales to preservationists boomed due to fear that many more would go the same way if action was not taken to save them.....Smart man was Mr Woodham! ..05 may 1974..

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]]> Wed Aug 19 2009 High Speed Trains....(HST's) http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1320632.html These trains are really quite amazing,been around now for over 30 years and are even now having a concentrated refurbishment programme that will give them at least another 10 years front line service.Lost a few through accidents,after 100's of millions of miles to be expected but almost all the class still going strong! Tuesday 9 December 2008: These trains are really quite amazing,been around now for over 30 years and are even now having a concentrated refurbishment programme that will give them at least another 10 years front line service.Lost a few through accidents,after 100's of millions of miles to be expected but almost all the class still going strong!

HST with 43026 leading power's through Sydney Gardens Bath with a Paddington service.Wonderful place to view passing trains with no spiky fence to block the view even from a pushchair..17 august 2004.. Serco test train(1st time with sheds in charge) 66030/027 cross over at Llandovery flyover heading towards Severn-Tunnel-Junction..15 february 2005.. 43107 HST power car. GNER set 43038/006 slips down through Frome Somerset with 1C02 Bristol-TM to Paignton forming one of the Virgin This coach as converted as a trial for 43178 brings up the rear of a north-bound express at Cogload Junction nr Taunton.This train includes the hired in MML set(LA79) used for the summer as their own sets go though works for full refurbishment.(Must be asleep as only shots have got of this rake are Summer Holiday Extra,the Paignton-Newcastle (1E46) seen passing Cogload Junction nr Taunton.GNER West of England express speeds down the Frome Avoiding Line showing a full new Livery for 1st Great-Western..Power car 43018 in charge..12 june 2007.. 56133 stands in centre road at Newport as hst 43124 prepares to leave ahead of it..27 march 1996.. Network-Measurement-Train speeds towards London through Bruton..19 november 2004.. 43174,an MTU fitted power-car,heads towards Paddington through the Frome area with a train carrying the now Prototype Hst Powercar 252001 stands in the yard at Shildon Works on display during the 150 year celebration of the opening of the GNER mtu fitted powercar 43314 heads the 1E47 express from Newquay to Newcastle through Taunton at High speed.43119 on the rear..04 august 2007.. One of the oddities on FGW services at the moment is LA79.An MML set on hire to cover for shortages due to the refurbishment programme that has left the company short on stock.Seen here with MTU fitted 43135 heading for Devon with a train that left Paddington at about 18:00..08 august 2007.. Network-Measurement-Train hammers down the straight just before the Westbury Avoiding Line cut-off junction at Fairwood with the regular(3 monthly) run up from Plymouth to London.Powercar 43062 MML set headed by 43007 departs Taunton with one of that years holiday extra's added to the timetable because the usual Valenta power-car 43079 heads a mixed rake of old/new liveried stock on a London bound service.Seen just breasting Bruton Bank and about to go through Bruton station..23 august 2007.. 1E47 Newquay to Newcastle virgin holiday extra headed by(to date) the newest Prototype mtu fitted power-car 43004 now re-liveried in the MML combo 43046/45 runs out of the southern exit of Whiteball Tunnel with 1V29 Manchester-Newquay on the final summer saturday of the 2007 season..08 september 2007.. The final northbound GNER powered 1E47 Newquay-Newcastle leans into the curve as it powers out of Whiteball Tunnel and into history.43039/43108 doing the honours...Not expected to run next year with GNER power..08 september 2007.. FGW mtu fitted 43022 races the local traffic as it approaches Cockwood Harbour with an unidentified south-bound working..08 september 2007.. MML liveried 43043 brings up the rear of 1V49 Newcastle-Newquay headed by 43074.Running past the well filled tidal harbour at Cockwood this train was about 90 minutes down on time passing Dawlish..08 september 2007.. Rear end of the fast moving 43030 with the How civilised the inter-city livery looks nowadays compared to the graffiti styles we have to put up with on todays railway.An un-identified set pauses at Westbury on a Paddington-Plymouth service..Summer 1988.. Refurbished MTU fitted 43125 drops down Dainton Bank towards Newton-Abbot with an up working from Cornwall..21 october 2007.. The 2nd production HST power-car 43003 HST virgin powercar with its rake of inter-city coaches negotiates the Conway Tubular-Bridge as it runs past the Castle with a London(Euston)-Holyhead I/C Express..15 may 1999.. Adorned in original Unidentified MTU engined HST hammers through Shrivenham with a west-bound working.Of interest is the nice autumn colours and the soapy windshield as the driver gives it a clean!.During a 4 hour observation period saw about 15 or so hst sets and only one Valenta fitted power-car in older livery.Seems the fleet upgrade must be nearly completed..03 november 2007.. 43042 swings round the bends near Crofton on the B&H with an eastbound express from the West-Country..06 october 2007.. Network-Measurement Train,with 43014(one of the few buffer fitted examples) leading passes through Fairwood on the Westbury Cut-off.1Z87 Plymouth to Paddington runs about every 3 months.Usual luck,sun dipped as it appeared..09 november 2007.. 1Z87 Plymouth-Paddington NMT had the Prototype Gner 43167/43105 on 1E46 Paignton-Newcastle passes Bristol Barton hill depot just to the north of Temple-Meads station..26 august 2006.. One of two prototype MTU fitted power-cars 43009 in the now defunct Gner 43114 43010 represents the new order on FGW.Refurbishment programme now almost complete.Understand even 43002/43003 are to be re-engined.Location is Bunns lane near Whitham Friary.This is same location as Header shot of my van and a light66+++.Note new fencing,not in shot but visable on the header was a rather nice 5 bar type metal gate.This is now defaced with an extra 18 43002(The prototype production power-car) pauses at Westbury on possibly its last day in traffic as a Valenta powered unit.Paired with its original partner on the rear(43003) and given its original set number 253001,The trains prepares to leave for Paddington,as it has done for over 30 years! After the final run of the day 43002 and 43003 were split and the 253001 set numbers removed.May continue in service for a while but will always be paired with an MTU fitted partner(Both 43002 and 43003 were finally taken to Brush for re-engineering on the 4th jan 2008,so ends the Valenta Era of the HST's on the Western)..01 december 2007.. 43003 sporting its original set number 253001 from when first introduced over 30 years ago brings up the rear of the 13:52 Exeter-Paddington seen departing from Westbury for the Capital.Partnered by 43002 this train on this day is the FGW Valenta power swansong.Another piece of british railway history disappearing into the past..Finally despatched to Brush Engineering on the 4th jan 2008.RIP Valenta power cars in the West..01 december 2007.. West of England HST service seen pausing at Westbury.Power-car is 43148..Winter 1996.. 43029 in Merlin liveried 43191 seen paired with a 43005 leads away from Westbury at Fairwood Junction in nice sunny winter conditions..08 feb 1996.. Running with an I/C set of coaches Virgin liveried HST Power-Car 43063 powers through Yate Common (north of Bristol)with a Midlands bound working from the South-West..11 august 1998.. With the full refurbishment of the entire fleet of HST power-cars and stock nearly complete,only a few odd coaches remain in the Still showing off it's inter-city origins 43181 drawing a rake of Merlin liveried stock behind it emerges from the tunnel at Horse-Cove Dawlish with a west-bound service..19 september 1998.. Even 10 years ago extra hst sets were hired in by virgin to cope with the saturday traffic flows to the west-country.Here MML set 43050/43053 are viewed rounding Langstone-rock at Dawlish bound for Paignton..19 september 1998..

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]]> Tue Dec 9 2008 Freight Trains using British Built Traction. http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1316538.html Finding freight flows these days that are not General-Motors hauled is getting increasingly difficult.Most common traction now in this category are Class 60's.However some older loco's occasionally work trains as well. Also depicted is older material recorded a few years ago when GM stuff was just a twinkle in Privitisation's eye! Monday 17 August 2009: Finding freight flows these days that are not General-Motors hauled is getting increasingly difficult.Most common traction now in this category are Class 60's.However some older loco's occasionally work trains as well. Also depicted is older material recorded a few years ago when GM stuff was just a twinkle in Privitisation's eye!

37047/37308 ladder over to the up-line at Crediton.At this point the 2 lines seen are seperate,one to Barnstable and other to Meldon.Train was the short term working taking a few trainloads of ballast out of Meldon to Riverside-Yard at Exeter..28 january 2004.. 47309 doing a spot of 37689 with an extra Water Cannon train seen stabled at Didcot between duties.37710/37798 share the duty.Seen at dusk on..13 november 2004.. 60010 on 6L21 stone leaving Torre Quarry seen at Wanstrow.. 2 years ago 57's were still figuring largely in the operational portfolio of the freightliner business.Here we see 57002 running through Millbrook-Southampton near the end of it's journey from Leeds with 47811 was used as the A pair of GBRF liveried ED's 73206/73204 head an engineering train towards a worksite at Hazelmere near Petersfield..23 september 2006.. Working 6Z82, with Anglia liveried 47714 in charge halts at Evesham signal box to collect the token for the 60007 with the 6B33 Theale-Robeston empty tanks.Viewed passing Ram-Hill near Bristol-Parkway..02 november 2006.. Loadhaul 60059 with the Theale empty tanks for S-Wales passes Denchworth nr Didcot in perfect conditions on ..18 november 2006.. This one is for RVM-Nagball after yesterdays adventures(24/01/2009). 60074/66048 runs down the slow at East-Usk Junction,Newport with Recently re-instated 60078 passes Upton-Scudamore with the return Eastliegh-Westbury engineers 6V41 on..12 april 2007.. 57011 heads a diverted FL working through the Wylye valley seen here at the top of Upton-scudamore bank on a northbound train of containers..12 april 2007.. 60082 thuds out of Chapel tunnel shortly after leaving Peak-Forest with Red EWS 60018 swings through Chapel-En Le-Frith with a Peak-Forest bound empties working..25 april 2007.. 37887/802 on return Westbury cement works coal at Hawkeridge. 27 july 1996. 58022 exits Twerton tunnel on the next leg of the Bath bins circuit (bath to bristol barrow road)..29 feb 1996. Nuclear Flask train from Bridgewater to Sellefield Cumbria,passing Bristol Barton Hill MPD,DRS 37606/20309 in charge..Summer 2006.. Class 60 number 19 passes Drynham road nr Trowbridge with 6C41(ADJ-Westbury) departmental working..10 april 2007.. Refurbished Class 56 56302 passes Kingsbury scrap-yard with a well loaded 4O90..21 march 2007.. RFD Liveried Class47 47051 ambles through Newport-Gwent Station with just one wagon on an unknown trip working..27 march 1996.. 37222 sits in the refuge siding adjacent to Westbury Power-Box with a CWR train as an inter-city liveried HST rolls in from Paddington..27 july 1996.. Dutch liveried 37098 prepares to negotiate Fairwood Junction nr Westbury with another set of seacows heading for Meldon..24 june 1996.. 37890 47354 heads a southbound F-liner through Heames farm nr Norton-Bridge on the WCML..14 february 1997.. Western class loco D1054 arrives at Westbury with a rake of stone wagons from one of the local quarries..spring 1976.. An unidentified class31 joins the West of England main-line at Clink Junction with a train of flat wagons that have just been repaired at the wagon works of Marcroft engineering in Radstock..Spring 1974.. 37219 still in rail blue runs through Berkley Marsh nr Frome heading south with a set of Gunnels..September 1994.. Crompton 33031 powers through Warminster station with a train of Sea-Cows on a Whatley quarry to Woking working.. June 1974.. Unidentified Western stands in an engineering possession by Clink Junction..Spring 1974.. Towards the end of their career the Western class diesels were relegated to use on the stone workings around Westbury from the quarries at Yoemans and Whatley.Here we see an unidentified Western passing through Warminster having just climbed Upton-Scudamore incline with a typical stone train of the time.SWB steel wagons with a guards van at each end to form a sort of MGR train of it's day..This train was probably bound for somewhere like Botley or Eastliegh..Spring 1976.. Wearing the Freshly repainted in the then new BRCW type2 33102 runs under Clink bridge near the junction with a Bituman tank train heading for the then open depot at Cranmore,now the home of the East somerset railway..Spring 1976.. 73006 glides through Basingstoke on 3rd rail-power with a Hoo-junction to Eastliegh working of infrastructure wagons..Winter 1992.. One of the then few remaining Dutch liveried 37098 runs slowly through Gillingham station on the Southern main-line to Exeter with a train full of track-panels during a line occupation on a sunday..Winter 1992.. 60066 unusually employed on the Marchwood-Didcot MOD train(6V38).Seen sweeping round the curve at Southampton Maritime on what must have been the sunniest day of the year.I still can't believe I actually had the day off! Usually when I am off the sky is a grey colour!..31 july 2007.. 60500,having arrived with 7C79 Parc-Slip to Westbury Cement-Works seen at the exchange sidings doing a spot of shunting,splitting the train into 2 equal portions..02 august 2007.. Crompton 60055 37703/37892 raise a din with a heavy load of stone from Whatley Quarry.Consist is a full rake of arc boxes.Seen at Berkley-Marsh..06 march 1995.. 56064 rounds Hawkeridge Junction with a return empty coal train to Barry from Westbury Cement works..04 may 1996.. 56018 draws through The Colas-Rail 47727/47749 rolling through Warminster area with the RHTT train to be stationed at Exeter for the leaf fall season.Booked as 6Z47 Eastleigh-Taunton...Dire lighting,500 at f6.3 800asa!..25 september 2007.. On this day the Cardiff-Wentloog to Southampton Liner was delayed somewhat (3 hours) due to 57010 failing,47150 was on hand for the rescue.Train seen passing site of Badminton station in extreme conditions,dull,wet,windy etc etc..06 july 2005.. 7A17 seen after leaving Westbury heading up the B&H bound for Acton.Powered by 60082 bereft of front end numbers.Class 60's are quite rare these days around Westbury,particularly on stone workings towards London..19 october 2007.. 47727/47749 approach Langford Bridge near Aller Junction with 3S11 Plymouth to Newton-Abbot water cannon trip..21 october 2007..

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]]> Mon Aug 17 2009 Shunters......mostly national system but a few industrials..... http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1314885.html Shunters are an unglamorous type of locomotive and are more often than not ignored.Here we have a few shots that I have taken when able to do so..these days they tend to be hidden away in inaccesable yards and sidings...Most common ones now are 08 and 09 varieties,,there once was well over a thousand spread over the network but totals are now down to a few hundred....shoot them while you can..they are a dying breed.... Sunday 7 December 2008: Shunters are an unglamorous type of locomotive and are more often than not ignored.Here we have a few shots that I have taken when able to do so..these days they tend to be hidden away in inaccesable yards and sidings...Most common ones now are 08 and 09 varieties,,there once was well over a thousand spread over the network but totals are now down to a few hundred....shoot them while you can..they are a dying breed....

EWS liveried 08526 seen shunt-releasing a class 66 after it had brought in a rake of 08588 seen parked next to resident 0-6-0 industrial at Dove-Holes.Currently carrying a version on L&NW Black livery..26 september 2006.. Dove-Holes visitor for a short while was 08994.One of the cut down versions specially modified to work the BPVG branch line in S-Wales.3 loco's were modified and all of them are still in use(very useful they are).Currently at Bury working on the local tramway extension along with it's 2 brothers..28 september 2006.. In nice condition but very dust splattered after being under the loaders at Dove-Holes quarry. 08393 rests between shunting stints in the refuge siding at Dove-Holes quarry sidings..25 april 2007.. HNRC liveried 08 running number 01553(old BR number 12082) sit in the headshunt at Long-Marston awaiting the arrival of a rake of class 87's for storage.Loco used to shunt release train engine then push the 87's round to the High Security Compound..03 july 2007.. 08813 sits in Long-Marston storage compound quietly awaiting it's fate.Looking very tidy in Departmental Grey will probably end up as a spares doner then scrapped..03 july 2007.. Residing in Long-Marston 08736 recently brought down from Deanside in Scotland along with 3 others.General idea is to make 2 good ones from 4 wrecks.This one must have suffered shifted cranks as can be seen,the connecting rods have been torched off so it could be towed!..03 july 2007.. Re-geared specially for Main-line trip working class 09 shunter 09001 comes over the junction to join the South-Wales main line with a transfer trip working from Llanwern steel-works probably to Alexander Dock Junction Yard..30 march 1995.. Still wearing the old BR Green livery D3261 sits in the workshops at Swindon receiving attention.This loco was withdrawn from BR service in 1972.Then used in industry until eventually preserved at Brighton..Now at the Swindon & Cricklade Rly..6 june 1981.. Metre gauge shunter number 4724 stands in the erecting shop at Swindon Works.These 0-8-0 shunters for an African Railway Company believed to be Ex-MOD shunter No-428 seen being delivered to Eastliegh Works on the back of a Heanor low-loader slowly negotiating the sharp bends on the Campbell Road overbridge next to the works..This Hunslet shunter is virtually identical to the BR Ex-Southamptom Dock Shunter D2991(07007) stands freshly repainted in BR Blue at Eastleigh Works..31 july 2007.. Class 08 shunter 08757 stands in Acton yard,West-London.Still wearing the now defunct Sometimes at Westbury when marshalling long rakes of wagons shunting spills out onto the main line towards Fairwood.On this occasion loco was 08947.Named English Electric 0-6-0 shunter number 10 in S&D livery seen at Midsomer Norton station..August 2006.. The Westbury Cement-Works Industrial shunter(A Hunslet) sits parked with a short rake of empty HAA coal hoppers at the far end of the sidings complex..17 december 2007.. Here we view one of the old Southern Hub of Freightliner operations is Southampton Maritime.This scene shows operations around the depot area.08624 is busy with shunting FL flats preparing consists for loading. In the loco sidings recently Class 08 No 08624 marshals a rake of empty flats at Millbrook FL depot using the An unidentefied ex-MOD 0-4-0 shunter parked up in the bushes at Long-Marston.Looks to be a product of the Now this was a lucky find! Almost identical to the two Sentinals (47190/47191) that worked for years just down the S&D at Radstock is Ex-Croydon-Gasworks Sentinal (works No 7109) No37 GM 120 rests against 59101 after suffering a collision on the Whatley-Branch.Several loaded boxes ended up going over the bridge edge.Sadly this could spell the end for this loco as not only is it damaged 08604 in BR(W) livery shunts a Hawksworth brake-2nd at the Didcot GWR railway centre.Note loco carrying shed-plate allocation 84F..Location of this was Seen at the Didcot-Railway-Centre is Hunslet 0-6-0DM shunter DL26 parked with a Having been the resident shunter here now for over 18-months,08393 is being moved on to pastures-new.Maybe it has suffered a failure?It's destination was Doncaster-Carr and is now stored Sentinal 0-4-0 Shunter Re-geared and hence renumbered 09102 drops down through East-Usk Junction with a trip working from Llanwern to Alexander-Dock Junction..15 may 2000.. Shunter 08652 continues to work hard deputising for the damaged switcher at Whatley Quarry.Here seen preparing yet another set for departure..07 april 2009.. The pair of unidentified Industrials that were used internally at the now closed cement production site at Westbury sit parked along with a crippled The now fully repaired Whatley-Quarry GM shunter is seen at Nunney-Catch Cafe where the crew are having a rest break.120 had been fully fixed at Eastleigh,major work was required to both drag-boxes as well as a new cab,should be good for years after this(barring accidents!) Engine may now be fixed but this trailer carrying it has taken on the shape of a Banana,a replacement rig was necessary to take 120 from here to Whatley.See shots from the 8th showing this!..07 may 2009.. Looking immaculate after the extensive repair work required since this engine was badly damaged in the Still sitting on the rather 'bent' 1st trailer,2nd one has been lined up and rails laid to allow a 'roll-off/roll-on type movement.Bit scary really,what if this unknown surfaced area had sunk?would have had a rather 'damaged' 120 again! ..08 may 2009.. Yes you guessed it,another 'Hanson' in the sun!(GM 120) Note how bent the trailer is after it failed during the journey this far from Eastleigh.120 has had quite a history,originally went to Africa,was smashed up there,travelled back to USA for repair then eventually ended up at Whatley,only to get whacked again in the 'Bedlam' tunnel incident! ..08 may 2009.. Having got only as far as Nunney-Catch Services just 3 miles short of it's destination before the carrying trailer failed,Hanson bo-bo 120 is seen sitting on the replacement after the Heanor crew had transferred engine in the car park of the cafe there! ..08 may 2009.. After a brief rainstorm blue-skies followed allowing this nice study of Hanson-120 sitting on the replacement trailer and the Heanor Tractor unit that is to haul it the last few miles to Whatley once final prep work is completed..08 may 2009.. HANSON’S NEW SWITCHER (For the 3rd time of asking!) A Short History..... Quarry operator Hanson Aggregates (formerly ARC) have acquired an EMD SW1001 switcher for use at their Whatley Quarry in Somerset. This unit is similar to the one purchased new by Foster Yeoman in 1983 but has been acquired second hand through US locomotive dealer and rebuilder National Railway Equipment (NRE) of Dixmoor, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. Originally it was built as a model SW1001 by EMD in April 1972, carrying builder number 37903 and order number 712086. This latter number gives us a clue, it’s in the EMD export series. The loco was one of 5 built for the Boke Power Project in Guinea, West Africa along with some SD40-2’s and export G22W’s. Boke’s railway was laid in connection with the construction of a dam and power generation scheme. EMD 37903 carried Boke number 204. In late 1982 Boke 204 was involved in a serious wreck and badly damaged. It was returned to the US to dealer and rebuilder Peaker Services of Brighton, Michigan for repair. Peaker decided not to repair the unit but instead supplied a second 204, another SW1001 that had been built by EMD in 10/68 (b/n 34263 o/n 4550-2) as Ford Motor Co. 10015 for use at the Dearborn plant near Detroit. EMD 37903 meantime languished at Peaker’s who eventually went out of business and their assets eventually passed to NRE.Hanson acquired it in September 2002, I wonder if they knew that their “new” loco had been sitting in a scrap-line for nearly twenty years? In October 2008 loco was again involved in a serious accident,this time at the quarry complex at Whatley. Due to a mechanical failure in the air-brake operating system engine ran away and was damaged passing through the tunnel leaving the quarry, this was due to american gauge loco not fitting a UK gauge tunnel.Further damage happened when the runaway then hit a class-59 that had also just departed Whatley. Engine was recovered and went to Eastleigh Hampshire for major rectification work.Photo shows engine on a road transporter during journey back to the Quarry. The story continues--------..08 may 2009.. The transfer of 120 from damaged trailer to replacement now complete without any problems! All chained down and nearly ready to continue onward to Whatley,just 3 miles away..08 may 2009..

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]]> Sun Dec 7 2008 Units Units Units Units Units...Basically anything thats uses underfloor engines................. http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1306886.html Local passenger trains these days are dominated by Under body engine Multiple-Units and Railcars.Classes 142 thro to 199 just about covers it plus a few older "heritage" ones that appear here and there.. Tuesday 19 June 2007: Local passenger trains these days are dominated by Under body engine Multiple-Units and Railcars.Classes 142 thro to 199 just about covers it plus a few older "heritage" ones that appear here and there..

Multi-Coloured 150231 speeds towards Cardiff through Marshfield in South-Wales ..15 may 2004.. 960011 142006 displays the now obsolete Arriva-Wales livery whilst working a Ystrad-Mynach to Cardiff service.Seen at Caerphilly..16 july 2005.. 960012 seen climbing Upton-Scudamore incline returning to Salisbury on route learning duties..06 march 2007.. One of the first units to be transfered from up-north With exhaust pipe end leading SWT bubble 960012 153370 negotiates reverse curves at Sherrington in the Wylye Valley heading towards Salisbury..21 april 2007.. DMU 170514 runs into Chinley with the well known Foreign built class 185 no 185138 runs through Chinley junc non-stop with a Manchester-Cleethorpes service on..26 april 2007.. 142037 slows for Chinley junc station on a local stopper through the Hope Valley..26 april 2007.. Bouncy-Bus duo 143621/619 run into Westbury with a service from Bristol TM.Both units decked out in the These multiple unit sets are rather unique,only seen on FGW services in south of England.Set number 180??? (number missing as fairing has been taken off below the coupling mechanism) is seen leaving Westbury with an Exeter service from Paddington..09 july 2007.. Now here's a novelty! 180102 able to be identified as the front coupling cowling is in place.Seen approaching Frome.The train will terminate here..07 august 2007.. Multiple unit set-up led by 153377 runs into Frome on the single line with a Weymouth-Westbury service on a beautiful summer sunday evening.All 3 livery's seen are now Specially liveried for use on the Looe branch 153369 seen approaching Bruton with a Weymouth to Cardiff working.Shame this unit not used where it was intended,a bigger shame is that eventually it will be ruined livery-wise with the rather gross fgw local line livery!!!!!..23 august 2007.. The unique(for the south-west) 158750 Class 121 Bubble-Cars 121027(55027 My first sighting of one of the recently transferred Recent Transferee Largely ignored (for obvious reasons) Class 150- 150265 still sporting the defunct Wessex livery run towards Frome through Berkley with a service from Bristol TM to Weymouth..08 february 2008.. An Import from the North.Not seen around Westbury before, Gold Star liveried FGW refurbished 158771 swings away from Redbridge nr Southampton with a Portsmouth-Cardiff service..12 february 2008.. 158798,a three-car 158 variant runs through Bapton in the Wylye-valley with a Bristol bound service.Now wearing the Recently South-West Trains have taken delivery of a few upgraded ex-158 units,now classified as 159-1's.Here we view one of these,159107 at Bapton between Salisbury and Warminster with a SWT inter-regional service..19 february 2008.. 170633 runs into Droitwich-Spa Station past a nice pairs of quite Newly adorned with Newly reliveried 158771 passes Abbotswood Junction with a Southbound local service..26 february 2008.. Passing a prepared field ready for an 158745 still sporting the Silver-Link transferee 150121 has now gained South-West trains uses this 1st generation Bubble for Route-Learning amongst other things.Today 960012 Regular performer all this week has been the class-121 Bubble operated by SW-Trains for route learner duties,here we see the These older liveries being worn by replacement units brought in from the North are now starting to be repainted in FGW's guady Silver-Link refugee 150121 rumbles away from Westbury through fairwood with a service to Weymouth..27 march 2008.. Silver-Link Deserter 150121 now with FGW temporary branding runs out of Westbury with a Weymouth bound service..27 march 2008.. Some Arriva painted units have recently arrived on FGW workings,here is 150231 with a Bristol-Weymouth working passing down through the Limpley-Stoke Valley at Claverton..27 march 2008.. Well the view is quite nice anyway,to pass the time waiting for a Re-allocated from Triple-unit 158953 wearing recent relivery paint heads for Bristol shortly after leaving Frome with a working from Weymouth..10 april 2008.. Adalante 180108 now running devoid of any livery markings associated to FGW pictured with an early morning Paddington-Oxford service.These units will soon pass into history at least on FGW controlled workings..12 april 2008.. Turbo's 166214 and 165114 enjoy an impromptu race through Goring! Both units travelling to Paddington from Oxford..12 april 2008.. Ex-Virgin XC 220 set now sporting the rather dull Brown-nose Arriva XC Livery speeds through Goring with a northbound cross-Country service..12 april 2008.. Newly reliveried into Previously numbered 55028 (L128) 960012 158767 runs past Norton-Junction, south of Worcester with a northbound service..22 april 2008.. Newly reliveried for Adelante's still operate a few services for FGW in the Thames Corridor.Here we see 180108 debranded except for the front coupling cover speeding towards London,probably with an Oxford service.Seen at Lower-Basildon..08 may 2008..

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]]> Tue Jun 19 2007 Diesel Traction around Britains Preserved Railways http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1305347.html Most of the preserved railways around Britain hold gala's from time to time.Intensive services offer plenty of unique photo opportunities using guest locomotives and stock. Sunday 17 June 2007: Most of the preserved railways around Britain hold gala's from time to time.Intensive services offer plenty of unique photo opportunities using guest locomotives and stock.

37674 visited the East Somerset Rly for the gala in 2004.Seen here sitting at Cranmore station with the evening Fragonset class 31 31452 was at this time being used on Cardiff -Brighton services and was stabled during the week at Westbury,hence it's visit to the ESR for the gala.Seen here climbing away from Mendip-Vale into the deep cutting..18 april 2004.. 37419 double-heads with 59103 during the 2004 Gala on the WSRly.Train seen shortly after leaving Minehead..08 may 2004.. Class 37-37190 on a visit to the Mid-Hants-Rly sits in Medstead & Four marks station..15 may 2005.. Loadhaul 56003 together with 37324 shortly after departure from Cheltenham race coarse heading for Toddington..24 september 2005.. GBRF owned ED 73208 Recently resurrected 47635 seen leaving Corfe-castle towards Swanage on ..12 may 2007.. D1015 ambles towards Corfe-Castle on Swanage Rly duties on 12 may 2007. ED E6043 trundles through the Dorset countryside heading for Corfe-castle on..12 may 2007.. D8188 still in Waterman livery departs Corfe-castle station viewed from a perch on Corfe-Castle itself..12 may 2007.. An interesting combination! Class 73's E6043/73208 hauling 4VEP 3417 with Class 20 D8188 tagged on the rear.Viewed approaching Corfe-castle from the Norden direction.. 12 may 2007.. Recently sold by 47635 freshly recommisioned after several years in storage at OOC runs through Isle of Purbeck away from Corfe-Castle on Swanage Rly.12 may 2007. D1015 enters the West Somerset Railway on the now fully signalled junction at Norton-Fitzwarren with the 1Z52 railtour from Paddington to Minehead..16 june 2007.. Guest locomotive D832 in tandem with visiting railtour loco D1015 leaving Cromcombe with a Minehead service on the WSR..16 june 2007.. D7076 powers away from Williton,seen at Castle hill.WSR..16 june 2007.. D1010/1015 power through Crowcombe on West-Somerset -Railway with the returning 1Z53 tour to Paddington from Minehead..16 june 2007.. 33048 rolls through Crowcombe with a short demonstation freight towards Minehead.WSR..16 june 2007 D1661 draws away from Williton on the WSRly with the afternoon diesel working..04 august 2007.. After many years on the mainline 47840 D1661(47840 in a previous life) 1/2 restored 37905 plus 73117 stand at Okehampton station during the gala.37905.Operational again after a replacement set of control cards were obtained to substitute for those stolen by some low-life earlier in the year.Now a goer,a full cosmetic restoration is underway.Looking forward to next year!!!!!!..21 october 2007.. 37905/31454 on a late afternoon train during the Dartmoor Railway Gala heading for Meldon.37905 now been sold? to Went to Barry Island and was able to have a quick look over the wall at the After a brief stop at Watchet Station D832 continues it's journey onwards towards Bishops-Lydeard..26 october 2008.. Heading for the coast at Minehead D832 roars round the bend into Blue-Anchor at full line speed (15mph)..26 october 2008.. After a With the Rail-Blue 47105 looking in nice condition powers away from Toddington with the 11:15 departure for Gotherington.Regretfully the seemingly clear blue skies were to largely disappear within the next hour!..27 december 2008.. Crawling out of Greet Tunnel is 5580.Just scraped this shot,by the time it had passed the signal night had fallen!..27 december 2008.. 47701 draws away from Winchcombe viewed in low winter light..27 december 2008. Emerging into the sunlight after running through the near 1/2 mile long Greet-Tunnel is seen visiting loco D5054 with the 12:30 departure from Gotherington.Despite only being lunchtime within 30 minutes sunlight was gone at this favoured location..27 december 2008.. Despite only being 13:25 in the afternoon this shot looks like it was taken around tea-time.Such is the wonder of winter photography! D5054 passes Hailes with yet another T&T working during this years Xmas Diesel Event at the Gloucester-Warwickshire Railway..27 december 2008.. Nicely restored 31182 running as 5580 passes Hailes-Abbey with the 13:15 departure from Toddington..27 december 2008.. G&WR faithful 47105 seen in a brief splash of sun at Hailes-Abbey during the GW-Rly Gala..27 december 2008.. Digital is a wonderful medium for squeezing shots out when film camera's have long since been put back inthe bag!.....Here we see 47701 blasting out of Dixton Cutting with the 14:30 Gotherington to Toddington.Exposure was 320th@F5-640asa. ..27 december 2008..

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]]> Sun Jun 17 2007 Sheds-Sheds-Sheds.......All Varieties...Red,Blue,Green,Orange,Yellow and Black...(Includes the 59+++ type as well)....... http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1303099.html Love them or hate them GM loco's are here to stay.Originally arrived in the late 80's(59/0's) and became a flood around the turn of the century!!!!!! All types covered.59/0,59/1,59/2and all 66's...Total in country now approaching 500 and rising fast! In the not too distant future I expect this country to be 100% GM in the Freight sector.... Friday 12 December 2008: Love them or hate them GM loco's are here to stay.Originally arrived in the late 80's(59/0's) and became a flood around the turn of the century!!!!!! All types covered.59/0,59/1,59/2and all 66's...Total in country now approaching 500 and rising fast! In the not too distant future I expect this country to be 100% GM in the Freight sector....

Engineering works on the 4V60 Calvert to Bath/Bristol Binliner rolls through Sydney Gardens in Bath.Sunlight is just about perfect when this working is due.66529 does the honours..17 august 2004.. 3 EWS GM's headed by 66228 stand in Didcot-Parkway prior to heading off west as a convoy,presumably for engineering duty that weekend..13 november 2004.. The Southampton Docks-Westbury ballast train is seen passing Bapton in the Wylye Valley.66510 did the honours on this day.This working no longer runs as ballast now comes from Meldon in Devon..06 march 2006.. Bath Binliner exit's Twerton tunnel with DRS 66407 on hire to FL doing the honours for a few days..12 september 2006.. 66132 hauls 6V62 Fawley to Plymouth fuel train through Clink nr Frome.Consist that evening included a pair of water carriers for use in a The Flag! 66705 sits next to the old signal-box at Petersfield station during a weekend track possession on this stretch of line..23 september 2006.. 66705 DRS Berkley-Marsh see's 2 Hanson 59/1's and 2 EWS 59/2's run light engine up from the torre quarry base to Westbury probably for use on engineering work over the weekend whilst the 59102 rounds the curve at Bunn's lane nr Frome with empties heading for FY quarry at Merehead ..06 march 2007.. A Hanson 591++ rolls through Berkley marsh nr Frome returning empties to Whatley quarry..Seen from Berkley graveyard 16 march 2007.. 66525 crests Upton-scudamore incline with a Southampton bound diverted Freightliner caused by line closure in the Basingstoke area for engineering work..12 may 2007 66118 threads along the Melksham single line behind Leek's superstore with a full load of Jaguars and Range-Rovers for export via Southampton Docks.Train diverted this way during major blockade at Basingstoke for resignalling work.. 66188 ladders over Chinley east junction with the 6E52 from Peak forest to Peterborough..25 april 2007 Running as F-Liner Fred 66655 passes Great-Rocks with a working from Barham to Dowlow,consisting of empty hoppers,reporting number was 6M19..25 april 2007.. With a string of FL hopper empties 66621 seen at Chapel-En-Le-Frith in the Peak District..26 april 2007.. To date my only shot of a 5 door Barbie gbrf..Loco was on a Peterborough-Taunton concrete sleeper train..Light was very low for this picture.had to use 800asa setting and 500@f3.2.It was almost dark!..07 may 2007.. 59202 passes through Eastleigh station heading for Hamworthy with 7O48 from Whatley quarry..05 june 2007.. A short rake(fixed set of 5) car carriers being tripped from Eastleigh yard to Southampton docks by shed 66023..05 june 2007.. HOBC returns to Taunton Fairwater yard from virtual quarry at Westbury.Passing Styles Hill approx 3 hours late(hence able to photograph here!) Loco is 66612 ..08 june2007.. 66558 with a rake of Track machines heading for West-Ealing? from fairwater yard Taunton.Seen on Frome avoiding line at Styles-hill in the morning of 09 june 2007.. 59204/59002 on 7C77 Acton-Merehead passes Styles-hill Frome on 12 june 2007.. 66709 Stone for Westbury virtual quarry used to be delivered from Southampton docks regularly by FL Heavy haul..66522 One of the few EWS shed's named is 66097 A Nice Pair! 59201(Bell end leading) and 59206 creep through Berkley Marsh towards Merehead quarry with a late running 6Z92 from Acton..20 june 2007.. Two different generations of GM pass at Fairwood nr Westbury.Old original 59004 heads back to the quarries with a set of empty boxes whilst 66616 a Member of the smallish class of the re-geared version waits for a clear signal to proceed on the Westbury..25 june 2007.. Hanson owned 59102 heads for Merehead quarry with 7C77,the daily Acton-Merehead return empties under a cloud-less sky,seen on the Frome Avoiding-Line..29 june 2007.. 59203 in original national-power livery and 31462-31468 stand in Sheffield-Midland station after bringing in a couple of rail-tours for the final Tinsley-Depot open day..27 april 1996.. Private Owner 59205 runs through Berkley nr Frome with 6Z20 Whatley to Sr-Pancras.Locomotive is ex-national-power and 1st 9 wagons also ex-national-power,on the rear are some ex-peak forest hoppers transferred to the south..Nice to see loco and original wagons re-united!..11 july 2007.. Celebrity liveried 66623 in Bardon Colours seen returning to Fairwater-yard Taunton from Westbury after refilling one half of the Having just arrived from the north,66534 prepares for a few shunt movements in readiness for the containers to be unloaded.Scene is Maritime at Southampton..17 july 2007.. Seen passing through Berkley-marsh 7A09 to Acton was a bit late this morning due to 59203 failing at the Yeoman quarry,rescue was at hand in the shape of 59102.The dud 59/2 was detached at Westbury before continuing to Acton..24 july 2007 Stock move from Laira to Bombardier-Ilford(5Z90) observed running through Bruton Station.Loco is 66718 59203 climbs Upton-Scudamore bank with a train of hoppers bound for Eastleigh.Driver N Higson at the controls..24 july 2007.. Unique liveried 66623 sporting 59203 sweeps through Berkley-Marsh with 6Z20.Whatley to St Pancras stone using a full rake of recently transferred(from Peak-Forest) ex-RMC hoppers..30 july 2007.. The Neasden to Wool sand train empties 66715 Seen at Fairwood near Westbury 59002 One of the re-geared /6 variants 66625 rolls through Berkley-Marsh with 2 sets of Railtrack ex-tiphook Hoppers heading for the Virtual Quarry at Westbury for a refill..03 august 2007.. Sporting 7V31 with 59206 in charge rolls along the Frome Bypass heading for FY-Quarry at Torre-Works on a lovely Summers morning..03 august 2007.. 59004 returns empties to Torr-Works with 7C77 seen at Styles-Hill footbridge..03 august 2007.. My first

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]]> Fri Dec 12 2008 British (Built) Diesels on Passenger and other non-freight workings. http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1300888.html The scene today is dominated by GM locomotives that have been introduced since just before the turn of the century.This collection features the older order (British) pictured over the years before recent withdrawal.Several types still find work and are shown accordingly.These are mainly digital images but quite a few35mm scans from early 1990's to date.occasional earlier shots when I can find them....................... Tuesday 18 August 2009: The scene today is dominated by GM locomotives that have been introduced since just before the turn of the century.This collection features the older order (British) pictured over the years before recent withdrawal.Several types still find work and are shown accordingly.These are mainly digital images but quite a few35mm scans from early 1990's to date.occasional earlier shots when I can find them.......................

37417 at the end of the Rhymney Valley line from Cardiff on a cold winters night as dusk falls..21 january 2004.. 37406 accelerates away from Bargoad with a Cardiff service down the valley..23 may 2004.. Class 31's 31128/31454 top & tail a Weymouth to Bristol service seen here passing Bristol East less then a mile from Temple-Meads..21 august 2004.. This Rail-Tour 37410/37418 emerge from Bedlam tunnel heading for Whatley quarry on a Pathfinder railtour..18 september 2004.. Fresh out of the box in the old BR green livery is seen 37411,at this time still un-named.Viewed about to depart Caerphilly with a service to Cardiff..04 june 2005.. Strictly not a diesel,but then it is not really even a locomotive! GNER DVT ? powered by a class 91 electric pusher stands in York ready to journey south to London Kings + on 23 june 2005.. 37425 ready to depart from Tirphil for Rhymney on the final few miles of it's journey up from Cardiff.Repainted to mark the final few months of loco haulage on these services..16 july 2005.. Cotswold Rail loco's 47316/47813 draw away from Cam & Dursley after a passenger pick up for a tour down to the West.(Probably Cotswold boss Adrian Purcell and family as they live next to the station)..24 september 2005.. Wearing the rather ugly Maroon livery of Instead of the usual 66/7,FGW 57604 trundles through Brinkworth with 6V91 (10.40 Shoeburyness-Newport Docks) taking 1805,1866 & 3568 to the breakers yard..28/02/06.. DRS supplied class 37's 37608/609 power a Serco test train through Berkley marsh Frome heading towards London..15 september 2006.. 37406 on a charter from Clapham junc to Penzance 1Z21 passing Berkley Marsh nr Frome 30 september 2006 37602/37611 with the Serco test-train rest in Westbury yard for the evening in amongst the ballast wagons and hoppers..11 october 2006.. Fragonset liveried 47703 heads a rail tour to the south coast through Blatchbridge Frome ..21 october 2006.. 47813 Having recorded a pair of XP64 Cl 47 hammers down the Frome avoiding line heading for Minehead on a merrymaker railtour on 9 june 2007 47708 overtakes 47701 whilst leaving Salisbury with an Express to Waterloo..Spring 1992.. D818 rolls into Salisbury on an Exeter train sometime around 1966. This loco nearly survived into preservation but was cut up as an act of spite just after Swindon works was known to be closing.D818 was parked there seemingly safe! 37427 runs over Clink junction Frome with the 08:40 Weymouth-Bristol service. 13 may 1996 47722 runs past bathampton loop towards Bath with the early evening mail from Paddington to Bristol in full RES livery.27 june 1996. 37116 SisterDora passing Clink nr Frome on 08:40 Bristol-Weymouth ex-works after overhaul which included the destruction of the last original split-box large logo 37. Date was 24 june 1996. 47756 runs through Trowbridge with a returning VSOE from Bath to London-Victoria..5 june 1996. 37258 draws out of the Avenue into Bradford-on-Avon with the 08:40 Bristol-Weymouth service..8 june 1996. 47712 restarts an Exeter-Waterloo service from Salisbury in about 1992.. Cardiff Canton depot 37517/37798 lay abandoned along with some freshly overhauled but never to be used RES vans..06 january 2004.. Class 47..47853..rushes through Berkley Marsh at full line speed on 5Z71..Ilford to Liara stock move(Luckily diverted down the B&H instead of through Bath)..Amazing really this loco now 43 years old and still looking and going strong!..18 june 2007.. 1Z53 hauled by 47813 with 47714 on the rear passes Didcot heading for Paddington with a special from Bristol carrying a load of people to a demonstation in the Capital..However since there was a signalling problem in the Didcot area this train was over 2 hours late arriving a Paddington..18 july 2006.. 1Z80 the return 47812(D1916) heads a 47839 and 47805 T&T a tour to Minehead on the WSRly.It is seen powering away from Blue Anchor in cloudless conditions..25 march 2007.. 47828 Running about 15 mins down on schedule West-Coast Liveried 47854 rushes along the Frome Avoiding-Line with 1Z29. 10:36 Padd-Exeter Charter.In this awful summer we are having a rare thing, 37408 47784 47815(running as D1748) performs on 5z90 Old Oak Common to Laira stock move of just 2 47204 roars past Frome Clink road junction on a West of England express.This locomotive was one of those chosen for conversion to class 57,eventually becoming 57012. ..Spring 1974.. D1053 Western Venturer D1005 2 generator type 37's did the honours on the Serco test train on this day.37259 with 37218 on the rear run through Totton on their way to Weymouth. ..17 july 2007.. 37407 Racing through Frome area after a visit to the Weymouth line are DRS loco's 37259 and 37218(rear) with the Serco test train 1Q14.Unusually the weather for this shot was glorious(On this bridge anyway!)..24 july 2007.. Serco still continue to hire in traction from DRS for the test trains.Here we see 1Q14 climbing Upton-Scudamore bank heading for Salisbury from Weymouth (via) Westbury.37218 heads to train with 37259 on the rear. ..24 july 2007.. Crompton 33027 D200 or 40122 stands at Blanau Ffestiniog with a local train from Llandudno junction. ..1983?.. Doyen of the production Deltics 55022(D9000) rolls into the train-shed at York with a south-bound express heading for London's Kings +..???? 1978.. 47714 throttles away from Salisbury with a London bound express.To the left can be seen a class159 being used for crew training.Not long to go before 47's haulage on this route was history.47714 however is still running around dressed in

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]]> Tue Aug 18 2009 Steam around Britain after the end of Main-Line working.(Basically means preserved stuff).... http://tomcurtisrailgallery.fotopic.net/c1299001.html Occasionally catch the odd steam portrait whilst waiting for more modern traction to pass by......... Saturday 9 June 2007: Occasionally catch the odd steam portrait whilst waiting for more modern traction to pass by.........

Ex S&D loco 53809 made a visit to Bath Green Park Station to mark the 40th anniversery of the closure of the S&D on 6th march 1966..Photo taken..5 march 2006.. 80104 and 47493 pass at Harman's cross on the Swanage Rly 09 september 2006 King 6024 heading for Paddington from Minehead with King 6024 thunders through Patchway Bristol heading for South Wales 14 may 2007 71000 returns from Cranmore(ESR) to London Victoria through Berkley Marsh Frome in the evening of 30 may 2007 88(53808) departs Crowcombe WSR towards Minehead shortly after full restoration..11 march 2006.. Swindon's Standard class mogul 76079 blasts up Upton-Scudamore bank with the Bright'n-Breezy(1Z79) Bristol to Brighton railtour running about 50 mins late due to points problem leaving WSR. This locomotive sounded like a machinegun as it attacked this gradient working really hard..01 july 2007.. V of R number 9 sits at Devils Bridge.These locomotives were the only steam on the BR to carry 34067 34067 Over the weekend of 21/22 july 2007 a small celebration was held at Bradford-on-Avon station to commemorate 150 years since it's opening.Seen on a low-loader in the station car-park is ex-gwr pannier tank no-5764.Specially brought in to be the centre-piece of the celebrations..21 july 2007.. Popular Bullied Spam-Can 34067 34067 seems during the late summer to have the steam specials market virtually to itself.Most other loco's at this time having various difficulties.Seen returning down the Wylye Valley near Warminster towards Salisbury having just breasted the incline at Upton-Scudamore is the Diverted Running as 45440,once a favourite on the old S&D LMS Black 5 45??? runs into Williton during the 2006 40th year celebration of the closure of the old Somerset and Dorset Railway..18 march 2006.. 3440 60103 shortly after being modified to resemble how it looked in its final years as a BR loco.Wearing Brunswick Green,Double Kylchap Chimney and German-type Smoke-deflectors, Brilliant !! ..Summer 1993..footnote--At this time loco was using an A4 type boiler not an A3 one,easily identified by the positioning of the washout plugs on the side of the firebox,on A3 boilers the plugs were level!.... Ready to work a Rail-Tour in the Morning from Bristol to Kingswear,LMS Pacific 6201 Bullied Pacific 4936 Not quite the shot I had in mind! Monster tele-shot forced on me by an HST going in the other direction.HST was just out of shot,Standard lens position totally blocked by that train..But using max tele(170mm) and a generous crop in photoshop was able to produce this acceptable result.......Typical.........if it was dull the HST would have not been there..... 4936 Today is the first time I have seen this locomotive since 1965,still a schoolboy then, I did a Glasgow-Aberdeen trip (one of the famous 3-hour trains),window hanging all the way! So quite nice to see her again and on the main-line as well. Here we see 60019 Running as Big-Bullied 35028 6024 (1V27) ran from Bristol to Weymouth today via Westbury.Here it is seen slowing for the Frome stop passing Clink...Forgot was running,wondered why about 6 people with camera's were on the wrong side of the bridge! Me? I was there for the Gliding gracefully into the Westbury stop is LMS Pacific 6233.1Z82 from London-Victoria to Exeter-St-Davids will have a change of loco here,final leg will be hauled by WC-rly 47245 due to no turning facilities for the loco at Exeter.The Duchess will turn on the Westbury tri-angle and run down backwards to take train back to Victoria in the evening..20 august 2008.. This is the first time I have taken a Duchess from behind!..6233 plus support-coach head for Exeter to bring back 1Z83 later that evening.Loco reversed on the Westbury Tri-angle so as to be facing the right way round upon departure from Exeter.This is another diverted Tour originally bound for Minehead but Turntable there still not fully commisioned..20 august 2008.. Running at about the same speed as the usual HST's Stanier Pacific 6233 storms through Clink nr Frome with Bullied Pacific 34067 (Deputising for the failed 6024) stands (Out of steam) at the back of Bristol Barton-Hill Depot along with it's support coach.This week-end see's the final steam run from Bristol to Paignton for this year..25 september 2008.. The Andrew Barclay 0-6-0ST Most photographed loco today was 5542,not complaining as these small 2-6-2T locomotives revive memories of when there were several of this class allocated to my local shed (Westbury 82D) in the early sixties..30 december 2008.. That tanky 5542 again! Cresting the rise in the Dixton Cutting before the drop down to Winchcombe.Shot framed by the nice 3-arch bridge at the south end of Dixton..30 december 2008.. Probably one of the most famous preserved steam locomotives is 3440 David Sheppard's 9F 92203 swings through Hailes-Abbey with a nice load of six carriages..30 december 2008.. Ex-GWR tanky 5542 recorded soon after leaving Toddington at Didbrook with an early morning working..30 december 2008.. Running over the road-bridge at the north-end of Dixton Cutting is viewed a very steamy 5542 with 7903 on the rear.An uphill section here until middle of the cutting just ahead..30 december 2008.. 7903 plays tail-end charlie to 5542 with a south-bound train terminating at Gotherington due to a land-slip in the Cheltenham Racecourse section..30 december 2008.. 7903 Running pretty much on time Bullied 35028 eases through Eastleigh,seen from Campbell Road with Having just crossed With most of the steam-buffs jostling with 1/2 the population of England on the Southern chasing the new A1 60163, the B&H was rather quieter for this working. 34067 with Running as Looking superb Running as

Published in TC on Tour (tom curtis)

]]> Sat Jun 9 2007