Choppers and More

Choppers and More http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/ 27 rows en-gb 60 BONUS GALLERY: Disused Stations, Abandoned Railways, and other historical pictures http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1665565.html Although loco bashing is my main forte, I have an obsession with disused and abandoned stations, and things found on the railway that really shouldn't be there anymore. A book called "NE/SW Main Line Album" concluded with a bonus section covering the introduction of HST's on the route, so I thought I would have a bonus section as well. Most of these pictures were taken after being inspired to start to record these items visually by websites such as Rails Around Birmingham, or the various Disused Stations websites that are on the links page and some of the locations here can be found on those sites in greater detail. The quality of some photos may be less than others on the site taken at the same time because they are scans of digital pictures, but photos taken from 2009 onwards will mostly be straight digital to web uploads so will be a bit clearer. Of course, it's difficult to know when something will become historic - it will only become historic once it's gone, but hopefully, there are pictures of significant interest here. Thursday 1 December 2005: Although loco bashing is my main forte, I have an obsession with disused and abandoned stations, and things found on the railway that really shouldn't be there anymore. A book called "NE/SW Main Line Album" concluded with a bonus section covering the introduction of HST's on the route, so I thought I would have a bonus section as well. Most of these pictures were taken after being inspired to start to record these items visually by websites such as Rails Around Birmingham, or the various Disused Stations websites that are on the links page and some of the locations here can be found on those sites in greater detail. The quality of some photos may be less than others on the site taken at the same time because they are scans of digital pictures, but photos taken from 2009 onwards will mostly be straight digital to web uploads so will be a bit clearer. Of course, it's difficult to know when something will become historic - it will only become historic once it's gone, but hopefully, there are pictures of significant interest here.

A view at street level of Manchester Mayfield looking towards Piccadilly - the through platforms can be seen in the distance on the right. I believe the station remains intact inside, and there have been calls to reopen it, especially as the bridge which carried the tracks over this road is still standing.

Bourne End may look like a terminus, but is effectively a through station on the Marlow - Maidenhead line. It was actually the junction for the routes from Marlow and Maidenhead, and trains from these stations were, for most of their life, bound for High Wycombe. This stretch of line, however, has long been lost to redevelopment - this is the view looking towards High Wycombe on 4th July 2009.

The impressive remains of Rotherham Masborough station, closed in 1988 but still mostly standing on 1st August 2009. Just visible behind the building is the sign for the

Soho And Winson Green may no longer exist as a BR station, but in 1999, a replacement station was opened on the site. 150108 heads in the direction of Smethwick - the metro is on the right, the expanse of space on the left, I am reliable informed, was once home to a goods yard. 14th March 2009.

The original overbridge linking the BR and LT platforms. Access to the local line platforms was once beyond this door. April 2nd 2009.

A slow shutter speed lights up the interior of this Metropolitan Line train. Why? To prove that we are passing through a Metropolitan Line platform, still in situ, at the Jubilee Line only station at Willesden Green. April 4th 2009.

The Barking Park Light Railway was a 2009

Train services to Cardigan ceased in 1962 when the line from Whitland was closed as part of the Beeching Axe. The trackbed immediately to the south of the station forms part of the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve. This view, looking north towards Cardigan, was taken about half a mile south on June 22nd 2009.

This is the most signifcant remains of Cardigan station. The old goods shed, now in commercial use, on June 22nd 2009.

A closed doorway at Charing Cross on 29th March 2009, behind which are the disused escalators heading down to the still in situ Jubilee Line platforms. The platforms still see

According to the

Lea Bridge station on 28th May 2009, some 24 years after it closed. This is the rather delapidated station building, and yes, this is the best view you can get - advertising hoardings hide the building from public view.

You will have to trust me here - the expanse of land filling up this image was once Leamington Spa Avenue station and an associated goods yard. 67010 heads past with the 1607 Shrewsbury - Marylebone on 2nd October 2009.

I'm no expert on signal boxes, but this is the box at Llandarcy on the Swansea District Line on 13th June 2009 - I believe the box is now closed, it has certainly lost it's nameplate that was once in situ a few years ago.

Taken on 10th May 2009 from a Fenchurch Street bound 357 in the last half mile of it's journey, this viaduct is all that remains of the old LMS Goods Yard route to Aldgate High Street. The line curved northwards to reach the depot but has been decimated by the rebuilding of the area.

Before the current station at Longbridge was opened in 1978, the previous station in the town had been on Bristol Road South - the track that once headed to the Car Factory was actually first opened by the Midland Railway as a route to Halesowen. This line fully closed in 1964 but this building, erected in 1938, was still there on 9th April 2009. The Halesowen branch actually closed to passenger traffic in 1914, and this was a

Manchester Mayfield station was built as an overflow station for the adjacent London Road station. London Road is now Piccadilly, and this photo is taken from the Oxford Road line platforms at Piccadilly on August 8th 2009.

Newcastle Emlyn was the northern-most terminus of a GWR line that ran from Carmarthen - financial problems prevented the line from reaching Cardigan as was originally planned. The line closed to passengers in 1952, which explains this rather overgrown view of the trackbed, looking eastwards - June 20th 2009.

Another

The disused platform on the southern side of Solihull station on 29th March 2009 - 67012 is propelling the 0930 Marylebone - Wrexham General. Much of the old GWR route between Lapworth and Tyseley shows evidence of the long ripped up track - one bridge at Widney Manor now leads straight into the station car park.

The Jubilee line station at Swiss Cottage is similar in feel to St Johns Wood. There are not many of these lit

June 12th 2009 and the new station at Island Gardens. The entrance is at ground level, but stairs lead down to the platforms built just below ground. On the left is the viaduct that carried the original route - the old Island Gardens terminal was situated to the left and behind the photographer.

Westbourne Park, after the GWR closed Royal Oak, was the first station out of Paddington on the Great Western Main Line. It was an interchange with the tube and this frontage served as the station building for all the platforms. As so often happens, part of the original station building is now in commercial usage. April 2nd 2009.

Photographed from the inside of the 1217 Marylebone - Shrewsbury hauled by 67013, this artistic image shows another tube station where the origins of the name of the Metropolitan Line came from. Willesden Green, now only used by the Jubilee, on March 9th 2009.

Stapleton Road on 3rd July 2009 and a rather rusty bridge to the north of the station is still standing, long after the tracks through it were removed.

The remains of Cardigan station. The platform is pretty much in situ, but various containers have been built on top. This is the view looking towards the platform - Whitland bound trains headed away from where this photograph was taken...in other words, this view is looking southwards on June 22nd 2009.

Charing Cross Northern Line platform early on Sunday 29th March 2009. The

The odd looking remains of the closed City Road station, between Angel and Old Street, on 4th April 2009.

One of a bumper crop of pictures taken on 9th March 2009. Several platforms exist at Duddeston station in the West Midlands, but only a single island platform remains in use. 323240 heads north to Walsall, revealing the disused platforms on the left of the station.

The outside of Caledonian Road station - another Leslie Green design. The station frontage has changed since opening, the

Five Ways station is where significant evidence of the old

Another variant on the

The one time surface building at Hyde Park Corner, now in commercial use, on March 9th 2009...

Not perfect, but a view looking south at Lords. The red brickwork indicates where the platform once was, but the red colouring is a recent addition, older pictures of the station after closure show the walls were at one point unpainted. April 4th 2009.

When the Midland Railway served Birmingham New Street, an enterprising trick was undertaken near to the station with the opening of the Midland Hotel. The hotel had no connection to the railways at all, but was so named to entice travellers to stay there. The Midland Railway has of course since become part of British Railways, British Rail and the now-privatised network, but the hotel is still standing. Now known as The Burlington, it was photographed on 23rd July 2009.

Mile End station was revamped in 1946 when the Central Line began serving the station, but hadn't changed by the time of this photo. The

The station building at Bow station has been replaced by a car hire site (at the time this picture was taken), but the back of the wall forming the back of the station building and this structure have been left standing post-demolition. Note the Bow Heritage Trail plaque alongside. 24th July 2009.

The Newcastle Emlyn station site on 20th June 2009. The platform was located just to the right of this picture, but the building seen here did form part of the overall station approach - pictures on the

A new station opened west of the closed platforms at Osterley in 1934 - seen here on 2nd April 2009, the

The old platforms at Osterley can be seen from the new platforms in this view on 2nd April 2009. There are several theories as to why something so seemingly pointless took place, but the consensus seems to be simply that the old station could not cope with the traffic demands.

South Hampstead on 2nd April 2009. The

The closed platforms on the main line through South Hampstead on 2nd April 2009. This view is looking towards Euston.

Although the Jubilee Line opened in 1979, it was only the section from Baker Street to Charing Cross that was new - north of Baker Street, the Jubilee took over from the Bakerloo. Still, the Jubilee sign here looks just as old as the rest of the platform. Looking south, 2nd April 2009.

A view of the new Mudchute station on June 12th 2009, looking north. The original line ran over a bridge which, more or less, crossed from the left hand side of this picture towards the photographer. The brickwork in the centre of the picture is the top of the Mudchute tunnel seen in the previous picture.

Of all the closed stations on the North Woolwich line, Silvertown fared the worst. Whilst the platforms at West Ham, Canning Town and Custom House are nearby still open parts of the stations, and the closed North Woolwich platform is adjacent to the old listed building built by the Great Eastern Railway, Silvertown simply became the most

Some rather impressive signs at the Baker Street Metropolitan line platforms on April 4th 2009. Notice the GWR style benches.

More impressive signage at Baker Street - a pair of Metropolitan Railway signs above the western end of the station on 4th April 2009.

The somewhat overgrown remains of Filton Junction on July 3rd 2009. This station was located at the triangle where the Bristol, London and Cardiff lines connected together but was closed in 1996. This view shows the island platform between the southbound Cardiff - Bristol and northbound Bristol - London faces.

Of the six disused Leslie Green fronted tube stations, that at Brompton Road retains the least at street level. This is what was part of the side of the station, the entrance/exit being on the main road behind the photographer. April 2nd 2009.

A photograph taken from the Welsh Wildlife Centre on June 22nd 2009, looking towards Cardigan. The mass of trees in the middle of the picture are more or less where the railway ran, and headed towards the edge of the River Teifi (just visible in the background), and followed the river towards the town.

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]]> Thu Dec 1 2005 Kettles http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1343835.html Not broken down into individual classes, as I have only had one or two of each, so it makes sense to group them together. As far as I am concerned, they are locomotives and therefore "they rule" but the number of people that would sooner do a heritage DMU than some of these beasts is beyond me! Top bash? "Tangmere" storming up the Brighton main line in 2007 with the driver forgetting to stop at East Croydon! Saturday 5 August 2006: Not broken down into individual classes, as I have only had one or two of each, so it makes sense to group them together. As far as I am concerned, they are locomotives and therefore "they rule" but the number of people that would sooner do a heritage DMU than some of these beasts is beyond me! Top bash? "Tangmere" storming up the Brighton main line in 2007 with the driver forgetting to stop at East Croydon!

Peckett Saddle Tank 1738, running as number 6, waits to work a brakevan shuttle at Titley Junction on July 13th 2007.

6430 on brakevan shuttles at Titley Junction, on a wet July 13th 2007.

Terrier 32670 was, at the time of writing, restored as KESR No3. It is seen here at Tenterden on May 3rd 2009 after piloting fellow loco 32678 on the 1135 from Bodiam.

Running 'bunker first', 5239 waits at Goodrington Sands on 12th July 2008 with the 1215 Paignton - Kingswear.

Peckett built industrial loco, works number 2000, on a shuttle at Barrow Hill. August 23rd 2008.

Not quite in GWR livery! 3650 kicks up a fuss as it takes the ECS for a shuttle at the Didcot Railway Centre on 27th September 2008.

Here's a loco with a complex history. Built in 1945 as works number 5272, this Austerity Tank was rebuilt in 1961 and given a second works number of 3879. It also served in the War Department, and has carried both 181 and 75282 as numbers during it's lifetime! Now known as

Ex Port Talbot

One time War Department loco 90733 at Oxenhope on 16th February 2008, having worked the 1205 from Keighley.

The shortest distance scratch I have ever had, Austerity 0-6-0 no 15

K1 62005 at Mallaig after a storming run on the 1020 from Fort William. September 4th 2007.

0298 Class

There are three running lines at the Didcot Railway Centre - here, ex Cardiff Railway loco 1338 is seen leaving

An ex-industrial loco, but not necessarily looking out of place on a passenger train, 17

There were a pair of Ivatt Tanks at the Keighley & Worth Valley gala on the 16th/17th February 2008. On the 16th, 41241 is seen at Oxenhope after working the 0900 from Keighley.

4953 sits at Birmingham Snow Hill on September 22nd 2007 with the 1017 additional to Kidderminster, run in connection with a gala at the Severn Valley Railway.

M7 30053, running in Southern Railway livery as 53, on brakevan trips at Eastleigh Works on 23rd May 2009.

Sole surviving member of the

P Class 753 & Terrier 32678 arrive at Northiam on 3rd May 2009 at the head of the 1330 Tenterden - Bodiam.

Ex-Manchester Ship Canal loco no.70 is prepared for shuttle work at the Barrow Hill Roundhouse on August 23rd 2008.

Large Prairie 4141 at Leicester North on July 7th 2007, having worked in from Leicester North.

This may look like a British Railways era loco, but 68030 is actually a Hunslet industrial running under a false number. The loco is seen at Broomhill loop on 12th September 2008, having worked the 1445 from Aviemore. The loco then returned the train to Broomhill station for passengers to disembark, the platform can just be seen in the distance.

80002 at Oxenhope on 16th February 2008. The BR Standard 4 had just arrived with the 1450 ex-Keighley.

Given that there are very few broad gauge locos in the UK, I thought it best to include such examples with the Standard Gauge steam. The Didcot Railway Centre's

7827 departs Paignton Queens Park with the 1615 to Kingswear on July 12th 2008.

The other surviving member of the

Once numbered 52322 when it was a British Railways loco, and 12322 when it was an LMS loco, this Lancashire & Yorkshire Class 27 (3F) loco has been preserved in it's original state as 1300, and is seen on Barrow Hill shuttles on 23rd August 2008.

Here's an ex-LNER loco in somewhat foreign territory! A4 60007, the famous

32678 carried several different numbers during the Kent & East Sussex gala on 3rd May 2009. In this picture, it is masquerading as 32640 as it double heads 662 into Rolvenden with the 1545 Tenterden - Bodiam.

Austerity 0-6-0 WD150

Members of the 5700 class have been preserved in at least three different liveries. 9600 propels a shuttle out of Tyseley Warwick Road on 26th October 2008.

The KESR May 2009 gala saw various locos operating in different

32678, complete with false identity, is seen at Bodiam on 3rd May 2009 after working with SE&CR liveried 753 on the 1330 from Tenterden.

Another strange livery in evidence at the Didcot Railway Centre on 11th April 2009 -

Whilst there are numerous

7812 waits to leave Highley in torrential rain on March 29th 2008 with the 1245 Kidderminster Town - Bridgnorth.

In addition to the Broad Gauge

The one time DS 237, this loco has carried at least four numbers in it's career. Running in Southern black livery as number 65, it is seen here double heading with KESR No3 on the approach to Rolvenden on May 3rd 2009 with the 1605 Bodiam - Tenterden.

The decision to build

After a magnificent run from Keighley, full of excessive steam and major wheel slippage, 41312 & 41241 rest at Ingrow West on 16th February 2008 with the 1025 Keighley - Oxenhope.

3440 rolls into Winchcombe on December 30th 2006 with the 1130 Toddington - Cheltenham Racecourse.

35005 runs light through Toddington station on an incredibly wet December 30th 2006, prior to double heading the 1500 to Cheltenham Racecourse with 92203

Ex-Industrial loco 2409

A ghostly figure can be seen clambering over 92203 at Cheltenham Racecourse on 30th December 2006, after it arrived with 35005 on the 1500 from Toddington.

Taff Vale Railway loco 85 at Keighley on March 26th 2006, before working the 1510 to Oxenhope.

Visiting loco 4936 at Cheltenham Racecourse on April 29th 2006, waiting to work the 1215 to Toddington.

8F 48305 at Loughborough Central on May 13th 2006, prior to working the 1315 to Leicester North.

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]]> Sat Aug 5 2006 Classes 58 and 59 http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1342166.html Like the 56s, basically freight locos, which might mean that unless you happened to see them a lot at your local station, then you might not see the appeal. This might actually go some way to explaining their following, as I seem to recall that the first time I saw a 58 at Ripple Lane after they'd been exiled from the north, it was a thrilling sight! Top bashes? 58043 from Peterborough to Finsbury in their dying months in 2002, and 59203 past my house in Bournville in 2007. Tuesday 5 June 2007: Like the 56s, basically freight locos, which might mean that unless you happened to see them a lot at your local station, then you might not see the appeal. This might actually go some way to explaining their following, as I seem to recall that the first time I saw a 58 at Ripple Lane after they'd been exiled from the north, it was a thrilling sight! Top bashes? 58043 from Peterborough to Finsbury in their dying months in 2002, and 59203 past my house in Bournville in 2007.

In rather poor weather conditions, 59201 arrives at Birmingham International on 13th December 2008 with the

59205 on the blocks at Paddington on 13th June 2009 after arriving with the empty stock for the

The 1515 Westbury - Cranmore special arrives at journey's end on 21st June 2008 - 59001 is already on the rear in order to work the 1645 return.

58003 & 58007 attract attention at Crewe, prior to working the 1540

58007 & 58003 power out of Rhyl on August 11th 1991, working the 1540 Crewe - Llandudno additional.

58008 at Sheffield after working the

58009 at Southport, about to work the 1140 special to Manchester Victoria, on April 25th 1992.

58025 at Blackburn on July 9th 1994 with the

BR ran a special from Sheffield to Cleethorpes on 11th April 1992 using Type 5 power. 58026 & 58039 wait to leave Sheffield with the 1055 outward run.

58027 & 58041 arrive at Slough on September 15th 1991 with the

58029, with fellow

58033 at a photostop at Salisbury, whilst working the

Booked for only a single 58, 58034 & 58050 make an appearance at Derby with the 1600 Leicester - Nottingham - Leicester minitour on 6th September 1992.

One of several BR organised

58037 waits to leave Bedford on April 2nd 1994 with the

Another view of 58026 & 58039 at Sheffield with the 1055 extra to Cleethorpes. April 11th 1992. Copyright (C) Steve Kemp.

58041 & 58027 are uncoupled from the

58042, making it's second railtour appearance within six months, arrives at Ramsgate with the return ECS for the

58043 at Peterborough on 22nd June 2002, about to work to Finsbury Park with the final leg of the

58045 at St Pancras on 3rd June 1990 with the

Action at Stoke On Trent as 58029 & Red Stripe 58047 arrive with the 1745 Llandudno - Derby special on August 11th 1991.

58049 runs round it's train at Peterborough Nene Valley on 8th October 1994, after working in from Wansford.

58050 makes it's passenger debut at Wellingborough on May 21st 1989, as part of the InterCity Diesel Day. The Bone prepares to depart with the 1520 Leicester - St Pancras.

A little reported fact is that 59005's first passenger workings were at the Wimbledon Open Day on May 5th 1991, where the loco provided cab rides. In order to officially claim the loco for haulage, it was possible to ride

59101 runs round at Kidderminster Town on May 9th 1992 after working the 1155 from Bridgnorth.

59103 & 33021 prepare to depart Waterloo on 5th January 1992 with the

59104 arrives at Ely on September 14th 1991 with the 1445 Kings Lynn - Cambridge, run in connection with the Cambridge Open Day.

59203 brings the

59204 at Bishops Lydeard, awaiting the arrival of 59103, before the pair worked to Minehead with the

59206 at Oxford on April 30th 2005, with the

One of the problems with railtours in recent years, is the lack of suitable photting opportunities for those on board. 58024 is caught on film after working one of it's final passenger runs,

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]]> Tue Jun 5 2007 Class 56s http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1342163.html On the "Grid Arising" tour, there seemed to be a throng of 56 bashers who were only interested in 56302 and none of the other locos on the tour. Strange that your favourite class should be a type of loco that have never had a booked passenger diagram in their lives? Maybe, but the Top Bash of a noisy, clagging, 56303 on a tour from Worksop to Leeds did explain to me why they are much loved. Could even have been one of my top ten runs ever. Saturday 30 June 2007: On the "Grid Arising" tour, there seemed to be a throng of 56 bashers who were only interested in 56302 and none of the other locos on the tour. Strange that your favourite class should be a type of loco that have never had a booked passenger diagram in their lives? Maybe, but the Top Bash of a noisy, clagging, 56303 on a tour from Worksop to Leeds did explain to me why they are much loved. Could even have been one of my top ten runs ever.

56097 is seen at Ruddington on 16th May 2009, on the rear of the 1015 from Ruddington!

56003 arrives at Orton Mere on October 6th 2007 with the 1344 Yarwell Junction - Peterborough Nene Valley.

56101 is seen on the rear of a shuttle at Barrow Hill on August 8th 2009. 47818 was at the business end.

56040 made it's preservation debut at the Mid Norfolk over the weekend of March 27th-29th 2009. On the 28th, the

56302 at Doncaster on September 30th 2006. The loco was being prepared for use on the

56001 at Paddington on the

56004 waits to leave St Albans on June 11th 1994 with the

For a while, BR blue liveried 56006 was part of a

Much excitement for the track bashers at Witham on July 13th 2002, as the

56008 at Eastleigh on 9th February 1992. It was being prepared for use on the

56028 (leading) & 56009 bring the 1325 Llandudno - Crewe

The

56011 rests under the roof at Crewe on May 4th 1992, having worked the 1510 from Hereford, one of several Ned-exes run by Regional Railways on this date.

56012 runs into Ely on September 14th 1991, with the 1555 Kings Lynn - Cambridge additional, run in conjunction with the Cambridge open day.

56014 rolls into Arley on May 9th 1992 with the 1600 Bridgnorth - Kidderminster Town. On arrival at Bewdley, the train was caped (a tree on the line, or something similar) much to the dismay of the cranks waiting to board!

56015 at Leicester on the

The first

56018 is seen on the rear of a special to Denby at Coalville on May 26th 1991. 56015 was the machine on the front, 018 worked the return run.

56019 & 33114 propel the ECS of the

56020 & 33116 at Waterloo on 23rd February 1992 with the

56024 brings the

56028 & 56009 arrive at Chester on August 11th 1991 with the 1325 additional from Llandudno - Crewe.

56031 at Windsor & Eton Riverside after arriving with the

In 1992 and 1993, British Rail ran an additional service a couple of times to connect with the Dart Valley Railway gala at Paignton. 1992's trip was hauled by 56033 from Paddington, and ran as a regular relief, allowing neds (like myself) to bail out en route. The 0800 departure leaves Reading on June 21st.

56034 runs round the 1132 Birmingham New Street - Bristol Temple Meads special at Gloucester on July 1st 1990.

56035 waits to leave Manchester Victoria on a grey 20th October 1990, with the 1426 relief service to Liverpool Lime Street as part of

Despite only being booked for a 56, the impressive pairing of 56038 & 37891 were used to work the 1706 Gloucester Open Day shuttle to Westerleigh on August 4th 1991. The

56043 at Bognor Regis on May 30th 1992, waiting to work the

56046 at Winslow on May 29th 1993 with the

If my memory serves me correctly, the

56050 & 56051 roll into Exeter St Davids on September 15th 1991, prior to working the

56051 & 56050 prepare to leave Exeter St Davids for Paddington with the

56053 sits at Swansea with the

56056 is attached to the rear of the

56057 waits to leave Brighton on September 22nd 1991 with the 1045 special to Victoria, run in connection with an open day at Lovers Walk depot.

Taking a leaf of out DC Tours' books, Hertfordshire Railtours ran a post-tour

As part of the Cambridge Open Day, 56062 was rostered to drag a rake of EMUs between Cambridge and Kings Lynn on September 30th 1989. The Grid arrives at Ely with the 1728 from Kings Lynn.

If running a railtour to Ashford for the Chart Leacon open day, then where better to start than at, er...Euston! 56063 on the

Excitement at Ely on September 29th 1990, as 56065 passes 37218 whilst working the 1144 Kings Lynn - Cambridge gala day extra.

56068 & 56135 run light through Doncaster on July 10th 1994, prior to working a circular shuttle via Knottingley in connection with the Doncaster Open Day.

56070 is attached to the

56073 at the head of the

56076 waits to leave Manchester Piccadilly bound for Crewe with a special working on August 21st 1994.

Another Doncaster Open Day shuttle - this is 56077 after arrival from Silverwood Colliery. July 10th 1994.

Amidst a sea of cranks, 56078 arrives at Coalville with the ECS for the

56080 & 56095 back onto a Sheffield bound Ned-ex at Cleethorpes on 11th April 1992.

56088 was one of two Grids used on the

56090 at York with the

56092 at Crewe, after being attached to the

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]]> Sat Jun 30 2007 Classes 52 and 55 http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1342158.html Only experienced after they were withdrawn by BR, one thing I can say is that neither class are quiet! Top bashes? D1023 on the Severn Valley in 2002, after worrying that it was never going to get let out of the NRM again, and 55016 on Peak Rail in 2007, which clagged like a kettle! Friday 6 July 2007: Only experienced after they were withdrawn by BR, one thing I can say is that neither class are quiet! Top bashes? D1023 on the Severn Valley in 2002, after worrying that it was never going to get let out of the NRM again, and 55016 on Peak Rail in 2007, which clagged like a kettle!

Whizzo D1015 climbs up the hill at Vicarage Road, just south of the now closed Hazelwell station on the Camp Hill line in Birmingham on September 1st 2007 with the

Class 52 D1010 on the approaches to Williton with the 1035 Bishops Lydeard - Minehead on September 1st 2001.

D1013 leaves Wansford on October 6th 1990 with a Yarwell Mill - Peterborough working.

Western D1023 rolls into Highley with a Bridgnorth - Kidderminster Town working on 5th October 2002.

D1041 rolls into Ramsbottom on June 12th 1994, whilst in charge of a Rawtenstall - Bury service.

D1062 at Arley on May 8th 1993 with the 1115 Kidderminster Town - Bridgnorth.

55009 (D9009) arrives at Arley on October 5th 2002 with a Bridgnorth - Kidderminster working.

Clagging as only a Deltic can, 55015 leaves Wansford on October 6th 1990 with a train to Peterborough.

Deltics featured at both the 1990 and 1993 Ruislip depot open days. On May 16th 1993, 55016 (D9016) is seen in the slightly bizarre surroundings on a shuttle inside the depot.

55019, running under it's pre-TOPS number of 9019, leaves Quorn & Woodhouse on April 29th 1989 with the 1400 Loughborough Central - Rothley.

One of the more bizarre workings of 1998 was the use of a 55 on the 1126 Ramsgate - Edinburgh as far as Birmingham New Street. 55022 AKA D9000 leaves Birmingham International on July 4th.

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]]> Fri Jul 6 2007 Roarers - Classes 81 to 85 http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1342132.html Another set of classes that had they been around a bit longer, I might have done better in the haulage stakes. You will notice that 82s, 83s and 84s are entirely absent. And only pic of an AL1. The 85s remain the best electrics that ever was. Top bashes? 81009 (obviously) and 85101 from Stratford to Shoeburyness on the last tour. Friday 18 August 2006: Another set of classes that had they been around a bit longer, I might have done better in the haulage stakes. You will notice that 82s, 83s and 84s are entirely absent. And only pic of an AL1. The 85s remain the best electrics that ever was. Top bashes? 81009 (obviously) and 85101 from Stratford to Shoeburyness on the last tour.

81009 is attached to the 1525 Aberystwyth - Euston holiday train at Wolverhampton on June 25th 1988.

85003 at Wolverhampton on 8th February 1986, having worked from Birmingham New Street with the 0734 Poole - Glasgow Central/Edinburgh Waverley.

85007 at Wolverhampton on October 15th 1988 with the 0600 Paddington - Manchester Piccadilly.

85015 makes an additional stop at Rugby, following the failure of a preceeding train, on October 15th 1988 with the 1531 Shrewsbury - Euston.

85022 leaves Rugby on October 15th 1988 with the 1340 Blackpool North - Euston.

85s survived long enough to work with DVTs on the West Coast Main Line, although they obviously couldn't work in push-pull mode with them. 85023 is seen at Birmingham International with the 1525 Wolverhampton - Euston on September 16th 1989.

85024 arrives at Coventry on April 29th 1989 with the 1654 Wolverhampton - Euston. By this time, the Roarers did not really have any booked diagrams, and simply turned up as and when.

85025 arrives at Preston on 1st March 1986 with the 0747 Cardiff Central - Glasgow Central/Edinburgh.

85029 rests at the blocks at Euston on January 30th 1988 after working from Carlisle with the 1055 from Stranraer Harbour.

85030 brings the ECS for the 1255 to Euston into Wolverhampton on 1st September 1990.

85036 arrives at Milton Keynes with the last ever 0608 Bolton - Poole, a service noteable for being the only Poole bound InterCity working not to run via Reading. October 1st 1988.

85101 waits to depart Walton-On-Naze on June 30th 1991 with the

One of the first (if not THE first) uses of an 85/1 on a passenger train, 85109 was in action on October 20th 1990 as part of a Network North West gala day. The Roarer waits to leave Altrincham with the 1116 to Crewe.

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]]> Fri Aug 18 2006 Class 86s http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1342123.html An AC version of the Class 47s, again, the rarity factor surrounding them now means a glimpse of one on a freight train is fairly exhilarating! Top bash? 86401 in NSE colours on a train of empty Mark 1 compos between Coventry and London, having arrived at Cov on a wedged 47 from Crewe after the 1987 Works Open Day. The fact we were able to get in the front coach after a less-than-fun run from Crewe made it pretty exciting. Thursday 17 August 2006: An AC version of the Class 47s, again, the rarity factor surrounding them now means a glimpse of one on a freight train is fairly exhilarating! Top bash? 86401 in NSE colours on a train of empty Mark 1 compos between Coventry and London, having arrived at Cov on a wedged 47 from Crewe after the 1987 Works Open Day. The fact we were able to get in the front coach after a less-than-fun run from Crewe made it pretty exciting.

86614 at Birmingham New Street on December 29th 2006, having arrived with the

86101 arrives at Birmingham International with the outward leg of the

The 86/1s could just as easily appear on any workings that the 86/2s did. Here, 86102 waits to propel the 1658 to Euston out of Wolverhampton on 16th May 1992.

86103 arrives at Preston on November 19th 1988 with the 0707 Plymouth - Aberdeen.

Rebuilding works at Liverpool Street is the backdrop for 86204 as it waits to leave with the 1030 to Norwich. August 28th 1988.

86205 accelerates out of Ipswich on January 9th 1988 with the 0720 Liverpool Street - Norwich.

86206 at Carlisle on July 19th 1986 with the 0845 Euston - Glasgow Central.

86207 waits to leave Birmingham International on September 28th 1991 with the 1007 to Glasgow Central.

86208 leaves Ipswich on 3rd July 1991 with the 1530 Liverpool Street - Norwich.

86209 runs light engine out of Birmingham New Street on May 30th 1998 after working the 0913 Liverpool Lime Street - Weymouth.

86210 at Euston on 3rd May 1991.

86212 pounds through Hartford on June 25th 1994 with the 1005 Liverpool Lime Street - Weymouth.

86213 leaves Euston with the

During their brief use on the Cambridge line, 86214 is uncoupled from the 1035 Liverpool Street - Kings Lynn at Cambridge on November 12th 1988. Even at this stage, some diagrams were being re-booked for 47 haulage into the Street.

86215 passes Stratford on 30th April 1988 with the 0830 Liverpool Street - Norwich.

The curious situation when Kings Lynn trains were electrically hauled can be seen here - an InterCity loco on NSE stock. 86216 at Cambridge with the 1435 from The Street to Kings Lynn, August 12th 1987.

86217 races through Stratford on 12th April 1990 with the 1000 Norwich - Liverpool Street.

86218 on the approaches to Romford on July 30th 1988 with the 1945 Liverpool Street - Harwich Parkeston Quay.

86219 runs into Ipswich on April 16th 1988 with the 0955 Norwich - Liverpool Street.

86220 rolls through Romford on July 14th 1989 whilst powering the 0900 Norwich - Liverpool Street.

86221 at Liverpool Street on 30th December 1989 after arriving with the 0700 from Norwich.

During the first year of 86 power at Liverpool Street, 86222 backs onto the 1830 to Norwich. August 26th 1985.

86223 stands at Crewe on April 2nd 1988 with the 0755 Birmingham New Street - Holyhead.

86224 at Coventry on December 5th 1987 with the 1240 Euston - Wolverhampton.

86225 departs Coventry at the rear of the 1225 Wolverhampton - Euston. May 16th 1992.

86226 leaves Birmingham International on February 2nd 1991 with the 1018 Birmingham New Street - Euston.

86227 passes a fellow class member and arrives at Colchester on August 6th 1988 with the 0900 Norwich - Liverpool Street.

86228 rests at Stafford on March 2nd 1991 with the 1335 Birmingham New Street - Manchester Piccadilly.

86229 at Wolverhampton on February 2nd 1991 with the 1441 Birmingham International - Liverpool Lime Street.

86230 prepares to leave Coventry with the 1426 Wolverhampton - Euston on 5th December 1987.

86231 at Birmingham New Street on 31st July 1998 with the 1515 to Euston.

Severe weather in the south saw major delays on the Liverpool Street - Norwich line on February 9th 1991. 86232 crawls through Stratford running 130 minutes late with the 1305 Liverpool Street - Norwich.

86233 rolls into Wolverhampton on September 22nd 1990 with the 0903 Euston - Pwllheli.

86234 at Rugby on 16th September 1989 with the 0635 Euston - Lancaster.

86235 runs past Crown Point on 20th July 1991 with the 1330 Liverpool Street - Norwich.

86236 waits in the early morning sun at Ipswich on November 14th 1987 with the 0730 to Norwich.

86237 brings the 1416 Blackpool North - Euston into Crewe on September 27th 1986.

86238 at Colchester on April 17th 2004 with the 0940 Norwich - Liverpool Street.

With the Glasgow - Harwich

86240 arrives at a murky looking Warrington Bank Quay on November 19th 1988 with the 0845 Aberdeen - Plymouth.

On the evening of May 9th 1992, 86242 waits to head north at Birmingham International with the 1810 Euston - Wolverhampton.

86243 at Carlisle on January 21st 1989 with the 0913 Birmingham New Street - Glasgow Central.

Engineering works at Liverpool Street on March 25th 1989 saw the 1400 from Norwich terminate at Stratford. 86244 arrives alongside the now demolished old station buildings on the, at the time, rarely used

86245 at Preston on February 11th 1989 whilst in charge of the 1500 Carlisle - Euston.

86246 hurries past Victoria Road near Romford on 21st April 1990 with the 1430 Liverpool Street - Norwich.

86247 is detached from the 1030 Euston - Shrewsbury at Wolverhampton on 22nd September 1990.

86248 heads towards Euston at Willesden on August 9th 1997.

86249 waits to leave Rugby on August 14th 1994 with the 0858 Wolverhampton - Euston.

86250 at Colchester on September 8th 1990 with the 0900 Norwich - Liverpool Street.

One of several photos on this site from a snow covered Wolverhampton on 8th February 1986. 86251 has arrived with the 1140 Euston - Shrewsbury.

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]]> Thu Aug 17 2006 Classes 71 and 73 http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1342108.html What can you say about the Class 71? The only one I've ever seen, let alone bashed, so thumbs up all round. It does look fantastic. I have a bit of a soft spot for the 73s - when I started bashing, they were restricted to that "premium fares" route, the Gatwick Express, so when they started to flood onto the Bournemouth line EMU replacement workings, I'd never had it so good! Top bash? 73005 on a 73/1 booked working from Brighton to Portsmouth in 1990. Sunday 31 December 2006: What can you say about the Class 71? The only one I've ever seen, let alone bashed, so thumbs up all round. It does look fantastic. I have a bit of a soft spot for the 73s - when I started bashing, they were restricted to that "premium fares" route, the Gatwick Express, so when they started to flood onto the Bournemouth line EMU replacement workings, I'd never had it so good! Top bash? 73005 on a 73/1 booked working from Brighton to Portsmouth in 1990.

73136, also carrying it's E6043 number, rests at Peterborough (Nene Valley) after working the 1344 from Yarwell Junction on 4th October 2008.

73114 is detached from the 0930 ex-Shenton at Shackerstone on a sunny September 15th 2007.

73117 top and tailed a set of shuttles between Meldon Quarry and Okehampton on October 15th 2006. It is seen on the rear of one such shuttle, prior to working the 1550 back from Meldon.

73006 & 73005, or E6006 & 6005 if you prefer, at Oxenhope on June 18th 2005, after working from Keighley during the line's diesel gala.

71001 (E5001) at Deal with one of the

73001, 20121 and 20117 at Yeovil Junction on March 1st 1992, prior to working through to Waterloo with the

Darkness descends as 73002 & 73005 wait to leave Waterloo on February 23rd 1992 with the

Loco hauled trains along the Fen Drayton branch were rare in the last few years of operation, but the use of a JA ranks as one of the more ridiculous workings! 73003 takes the empty stock of the 1415 shuttle out of Cambridge on September 30th 1989.

The use of a class 73 on the Brighton - Plymouth working between 1989 and 1991 was unusual enough, but when 73005 put in an appearance on December 1st 1990, yours truly was somewhat amazed! The unique liveried ED waits to leave Brighton with the 0905 departure.

Pullman liveried 73101 was used on September 22nd 1991 to work shuttles from Brighton to the Lovers Walk open day. The Shoebox is seen on arrival with one such shuttle inside the depot.

EDs off the beaten track on 29th September 1990, as 73129 & an un-named 73103 wait at Kings Lynn with the 1318 additional to Cambridge.

73104 stands at a sunny Kensington Olympia on June 29th 1989 with the 1715 from Clapham Junction.

The upside to unit replacements on the Weymouth line was the fact the older EMUs had to be taken out of service to provide parts for the Wessex Electrics, and 73s were drafted in as replacements. 73105 waits at Southampton on January 2nd 1988 with the 1132 Waterloo - Weymouth.

73106 propels the 1413 Staines - Windsor & Eton Riverside gala day extra out of Staines on 10th December 1989. This was, I seem to recall, the only shuttle to be worked in push-pull mode that day, despite the fact that 33116 was also out.

73107 at Basingstoke on July 23rd 1988, pushing the 0930 Waterloo - Bournemouth.

73108 & Gatwick Express loco (!) 73201 reverse out of Poole on 13th August 1988 after working the 1145 from Waterloo.

73110 & 73119 race into Basingstoke on 5th November 1988 with the 0946 Poole - Waterloo.

The loco hauled Unit replacements on the Bournemouth line continued for well over a year, with double-headers surviving until the end of the 1988/89 timetable. 73112 & 73139 propel the 1545 Waterloo - Weymouth out of Clapham Junction on 7th April 1989.

73118 on the 0915 Plymouth - Brighton at Portsmouth Harbour - January 5th 1991.

It was the turn of 73126 to work depot shuttles on June 6th 1992. It is seen here on an Ashford - Chart Leacon shuttle.

73128 & 73126 at Bournemouth whilst pushing the 1345 Waterloo - Poole EMU replacement on August 13th 1988.

73129 at Victoria on May 16th 1998 before double heading a railtour to Bournemouth with 73131.

The last ever Kenny Belle workings booked for 33 haulage were worked by...73130. The booked Bagpipe had failed earlier in the day. 73130 arrives with the ECS for the 1600 to Kensington Olympia at Clapham Junction. May 12th 1989.

73131 on arrival at Folkestone Harbour with the

73132 & 73136 at Poole on October 1st 1988 after arriving with the 1345 from Waterloo.

A bit of a lucky scratch here - yours truly was waiting at Clapham Junction on 22nd June 1989 when 73133 rolled in with a train bound for Waterloo. No announcement on the board, but there were passengers on, so on I hopped! The ED is seen in London after arrival with what was believed to be a working from Southampton.

At the start of the winter 89/90 timetable, the

The non availability of a 47 led to 73138 working the 0855 Eastbourne - Edinburgh as far as Reading on 19th September 1992. The Shoebox is seen at Kensington Olympia.

73139 & 73141 wait to leave Waterloo on July 17th 1993 with the

73140 waits to leave Havant on October 13th 1990 with the 0915 Plymouth - Brighton.

73141 after arrival at Bournemouth on 5th March 1988 having propelled the 1432 Waterloo - Weymouth.

73201 races through Clapham Junction and on towards Clapham Cutting on 10th February 1990 with the 1030 Victoria - Gatwick Airport.

73202 waits to leave Victoria on November 27th 1993 withe the 1430 to Gatwick Airport.

73203 runs into Gatwick Airport on July 9th 1988 with the 1630 from Victoria.

73204 at Victoria with the 1145 to Gatwick Airport on November 27th 1993.

73205 rests at Gatwick Airport on May 13th 1998, after arrival with the 1515 from Victoria.

73206 races towards Clapham Junction with the 1230 Victoria - Gatwick Airport on August 9th 1997.

73207 arrives into Gatwick Airport on July 9th 1988 with the 1645 from Victoria.

73208 at Victoria on 9th March 1994 with the 1400 to Gatwick Airport.

73209 pounds through Wandsworth Common on March 10th 1990 with the 1045 Victoria - Gatwick Airport.

73210 just north of Clapham Junction on 20th September 1991 whilst pushing the 1320 Gatwick Airport - Victoria.

73211 approaches Clapham Junction on August 9th 1997 with the 1245 Victoria - Gatwick Airport.

73212 rests at Gatwick Airport with the 1620 to Victoria on May 13th 1998.

73235 hurries through East Croydon on September 19th 1992 with the 1000 Victoria - Gatwick Airport.

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]]> Sun Dec 31 2006 Class 60s http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1342093.html Another freight only class, and the fact that they are already being stored has now turned them into a class that whenever you see one, you can't help but be excited. Top bash? 60022 on the "Grid Arising" was one that sticks in the memory. Monday 4 June 2007: Another freight only class, and the fact that they are already being stored has now turned them into a class that whenever you see one, you can't help but be excited. Top bash? 60022 on the "Grid Arising" was one that sticks in the memory.

60004 sits at Southport on December 13th 2008, before working the

60's don't seem to get much of a run out at preserved railways, but 60059 made an appearance at the Mid Norfolk Railway on March 28th 2009. It is seen here running light engine through Dereham, before working the 1145 to Wymondham Loop.

60030 waits to leave Preston with the

60034 at Wakefield Kirkgate on March 18th 2006. Ten minutes later, and it was attached to the

60022 at Sandwell And Dudley on the

60001 is about to work it's first ever passenger train at Victoria on 22nd September 1991, the 1225 special to Brighton.

60002 at Doncaster on July 10th 1994. The 60 was working a shuttle to Selby as part of the Doncaster open day.

Whilst I was Kettle bashing at Didcot, 60003 was at Hull with the

60006 was the first Tug to work a passenger train, but as it was a regular service train, it was obvious it would soon be

60008 at Nuneaton on 4th January 2003 with the

60011 on arrival at Leicester with one of the

60013 backs onto the

60017 after arriving at Cranmore with the

Continuing the tradition of running a mini tour after the main DC Tours trip during their early 1992 railtour season, 60018 worked the 2020 to Clapham Junction on March 15th 1992, seen here at Waterloo before departure.

60019 at Waterloo on 16th February 1992 with the 1935 mini tour to Clapham Junction.

60024 runs light into Birmingham New Street on 28th May 2007, in order to work the

60028 somewhere near Gainsborough on the

60032 & 60057 after working the first double headed Class 60 passenger working -

60042 at Southampton on January 26th 1991, about to work the

60044 & 60061 roll into Rhyl on 11th August 1991 with the 1640 Llandudno - Derby additional as part of the Trainload Coal Motive Power Day.

60047 is seen whilst top and tailing the

60055 at Derby on 10th December 2005, about to work the

Pathfinder ran a series of minitours around the Manchester area on April 25th 1992. The 1720 Blackpool North - Manchester Victoria featured 60056 & 37419 forward from Preston. The 60 was supposed to work alone all the way, but was running late which resulted in this strange combination.

60057 & 60032 bring the ECS of the

60061 & 60044 are removed from the 1640 Llandudno - Derby extra at what was journey's end for these locos on this train - Crewe. 11th August 1991.

60063 at Gloucester on August 4th 1991. As part of the Gloucester Open Day, the 60 was tagged to the rear of the 1245 to Kemble, of which the 60 worked the return leg.

60066 at Manchester Piccadilly on 20th February 1994. The Tug had worked the

60076 is attached to the

60079 & 33109 at Weymouth on 16th February 1992, having arrived with the

Faults with 60081 on the

60083 was employed in top and tail mode with a pair of 31s on a series of shuttles run in connection with the Bescot Open Day on 30th August 1992. The first of these shuttles returns from Bilston, and is seen arriving at Tame Bridge.

60086 & 33114 stand at Waterloo on January 26th 1992 with the

60088 is attached to the

60089 at Eastleigh with a couple of other Tugs, prior to working the

60091 on the

60093 stands at Nottingham, after working a special from Leicester as part of the open day at the now closed depot. September 6th 1992.

60094 on arrival at London Bridge on June 6th 1992, having made it's passenger debut by working from Grain on the

Whilst Pathfinder were running specials in and out of Manchester Victoria on April 25th 1992, BR were getting in on the act as well. 60095 leaves with the 1448 to Barrow.

60098 at Nottingham, having worked the

60040 & 60003 at Burton On Trent on 4th September 2004, just before working forward to Bescot with the

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]]> Mon Jun 4 2007 Classes 92 to 98 http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1342081.html Class 92s - good locos, but "freight only" so a shame that's it railtours only that they get to work. Top bash? 92030 from Crewe to Birmingham was a "claw back" that pleased me no end. Class 97s - what can you say? All effectively "rare", so the top bash? All of them! Class 98s - we are sticking to the VOR locos only here, the mainline registered Steamers can be found elsewhere. Top bash? 98008 rattling through the mountains at high speed was fairly impressive! Monday 7 August 2006: Class 92s - good locos, but "freight only" so a shame that's it railtours only that they get to work. Top bash? 92030 from Crewe to Birmingham was a "claw back" that pleased me no end. Class 97s - what can you say? All effectively "rare", so the top bash? All of them! Class 98s - we are sticking to the VOR locos only here, the mainline registered Steamers can be found elsewhere. Top bash? 98008 rattling through the mountains at high speed was fairly impressive!

By 2009, the use of a

And this is 92029 heading south at Lillie Bridge with the

Another 92 at the Cross, this time it's 92017 waiting to work to Doncaster with the

Whilst 92s have occasionally deputised for EWS 90s on empty stock moves, their use in an emergency on passenger trains is almost unheard of. Ostenisbly booked for an

A couple of shots of 92s

92037 backs onto the

Four Class 40s became Class 97s in 1985 as part of the Crewe Station remodelling programme. Three have since been preserved, and as a result, the opportunity has arisen for a

92004 arrives with the ECS for the

92007 (and 56065 as

92010 at Bescot on May 30th 2005, about to work the

92022 and a dead 37248 arrive at Finsbury Park on 13th July 1992, prior to working the

92030 is tagged onto the front of the

92038 and a switched off 66157 at Coventry on December 10th 2005 with the

92041, with a dead 56095 inside, at Crewe on 21st September 2002, at the head of the

During it's brief status as a 97/4 rather than a 47/4, 97545 deputises for the booked 45106 at St Pancras on October 28th 1988 with the 1750 commuter service to Derby.

97561 at St Pancras on 17th February 1989 with the 1820 FO service to Derby.

Unlike many other Class 97s, the ex-PWM shunters have only ever had one TOPS Classification, that of course being class 97. 97654 is on shunter shuttles at Rowsley South on May 12th 2007.

98008, more commonly known simply as number 8, in action on the Vale Of Rheidol. This picture was taken during a waterstop at Nantyronen whilst it was working the 1030 Aberystwyth - Devils Bridge on May 19th 2007.

Working only it's second(ish) passenger run ever, the sole 98/1 98010 rolls into Devils Bridge on May 19th 2007 with the

92003 makes it's way through Stratford en route to Ipswich to work the

Test photo.

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]]> Mon Aug 7 2006 Class 66s http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1342055.html Derided by bashers who can't seem to grasp that it's not 1981 anymore, I think these locos are rather hellfire. Claimed to have killed off the older classes, but weren't the class 56s and 58s built to do exactly the same thing? Getting on a bit now, so starting to clag, it's a shame that the current railway system doesn't allow for them to work more passenger trains than the odd tour. Top bash? 66100 making a racket from Thameshaven to Lowestoft in 2007. Wednesday 3 January 2007: Derided by bashers who can't seem to grasp that it's not 1981 anymore, I think these locos are rather hellfire. Claimed to have killed off the older classes, but weren't the class 56s and 58s built to do exactly the same thing? Getting on a bit now, so starting to clag, it's a shame that the current railway system doesn't allow for them to work more passenger trains than the odd tour. Top bash? 66100 making a racket from Thameshaven to Lowestoft in 2007.

Several 66s have put in appearances on VSOE tours - which can catch out the

Run as part of the Cranmore 150 celebration weekend, 66200 waits to leave Westbury on 21st June 2008 with the 1750 to Cranmore.

66430 sits at Leeds after working from Wolverhampton with the

I remember the days when railtours had names like

66142 waits to leave Swanage on April 1st 2009 with the

For many years, the western end of the Nene Valley Railway at Yarwell Junction was just a run round loop, but there is now a platform in operation. 66729 waits to leave with the 1229 to Peterborough on October 4th 2008. As with the picture of 66727, the loco is about to work it's first passenger train.

66425 is seen stabled at Barrow Hill Roundhouse before working a series of shuttles on August 8th 2009.

Barely six weeks after it was delivered to the UK, 66957 is seen at Southport with the

The

Another beast in the form of 66414, at the head of the

Another imaginatively titled tour,

66193 waits for the 'tip' at Slough on 2nd August 2008 whilst at the head of the

66703 is seen near Willesden on December 15th 2007, about to dive under the WCML with the

66731 arrives at Ruddington on May 16th 2009, after working the 1115 Ruddington - Ruddington from 50 Steps Bridge.

66001 rests at Bridlington on 25th July 2009 after arriving with the

66007 arrives at Birmingham New Street on 24th January 2009 with the

One of the debut passenger workings here for 66724, at Harmans Cross on May 10th 2008 with the 1310 Swanage - Norden, complete with a 4VEP unit as coaching stock!

66144 at Dereham on March 28th 2009 - the loco was about to be tagged onto the rear of a southbound working in order to double head the 1430 Wymondham Loop - Dereham with 67008. The route ahead is the line to Fakenham, currently closed but a destination the Mid Norfolk Railway look like to extend their line to.

66186 arrives at Betws-Y-Coed in wet conditions with the returning

Passenger debut time for 66596, about to work the

Utterly hellfire - 66841 is seen on the second of three passenger shuttles at Barrow Hill on 8th August 2009. Notice the impressive retro-style flailing in the lead coach.

Another Nene Valley gala, and another passenger trip for a GBRF 66. 66732 backs onto 37518 and the 0857 Peterborough Nene Valley - Wansford at Orton Mere on March 7th 2009.

The highlight of the disappointing

66433 rests by the signal box at Barrow Hill before working some shuttles on August 8th 2009.

After the failure of a 27 earlier in the day caused late running, 66412 is seen running round it's stock at Birkhill after working what was either the 1120 from Boness an hour late, or the 1220 on time! August 30th 2009.

66100 brings the ECS for the

The use of a flashgun shows up the wet and windy conditions at Birmingham New Street as 66210 waits to leave with the outward leg of the

66099 at Lowestoft, before working to Saxmundham on the

Another view of the

66551 waits at Hooton on December 29th 2006, before working the

66032 runs light out of Birmingham International after arriving with the

66182 brings empty stock into Meldon Quarry on October 15th 2006. The Shed stayed on the rear of the stock as it worked down to Coleford, and worked the return from there.

66068 on the outward leg of the

66208 on the

66157 at Coventry on 10th December 2005.The loco had earlier worked the

66560 rests at Derby after arrival with the

66043 & 67005 after double heading the

66120 prepares to leave Birmingham New Street on December 29th 2006 with the

66009 is seen at the Ribble Steam Railway platform in Preston Docks on March 24th 2007, running around the

Two 66s were used on the catchily titled

66035 arrives with the ECS for the

66039 arrives at Birmingham International on September 4th 2004 with the

A rather grim Burton On Trent greets 66052 as it arrives with the

66093 brings the

66116 with the

66237 with the

66503 on arrival at York with the

66525 & 66528 wait at Stafford on September 4th 2004 with the

66528 & 66525 at Stafford before working the

66539 at Folkestone Harbour on May 11th 2002 with the

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]]> Wed Jan 3 2007 Class 91s http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1342046.html Solid locos, probably not that exciting to some by virtue of the fact that they are all the same colour, rarely work blunt end first, etc, etc...but let's face it, they wipe the floor with a unit! Top bash? Scoring my last one, 91122. Tuesday 8 August 2006: Solid locos, probably not that exciting to some by virtue of the fact that they are all the same colour, rarely work blunt end first, etc, etc...but let's face it, they wipe the floor with a unit! Top bash? Scoring my last one, 91122.

The last

91132 at Peterborough on October 6th 2007 with a Newcastle - Kings Cross working.

91001 leaves Kings Cross on March 25th 1989 with the 1320 to Leeds.

The use of 91s in

91003 leaves Peterborough on June 1st 1991 with the 1310 Leeds - Kings Cross.

91004 at a rather bright Grantham on March 19th 1993 with the 1105 Kings Cross - Leeds.

When they were first built, the Lada's were allowed the odd railtour runs with non Mark 4 stock, but the intensity of diagrams on the East Coast now prevents this. 91006 waits to leave The Cross with the

91007 comes to a stand at Peterborough on September 9th 1989 with the 0835 Kings Cross - Leeds.

91008 with the 0650 Kings Cross - Leeds, prior to departure. 29th April 1989.

91009 pulls into Newcastle on May 25th 1994 with the 0930 from Kings Cross.

91010 at The Cross, with the 1750 to Harrogate on 3rd November 1989.

91011 leaves Newark Northgate on May 21st 1994 with the 1230 Kings Cross - Leeds.

91013 at Peterborough on 4th July 1992 with the 1105 Leeds - Kings Cross.

91015 departs Leeds on March 30th 1991, pushing the 1010 to Kings Cross.

91016 arrives at Stevenage on July 21st 1990 with the 1710 Leeds - Kings Cross.

91017 at Edinburgh on May 25th 1994, whilst in charge of the 1000 Glasgow Central - Kings Cross.

91018 rests at Doncaster on May 25th 1994 after arriving with the 1200 Glasgow Central - Kings Cross.

91020 leaves Peterborough with the 1000 Kings Cross - Glasgow Central on May 16th 1998.

91024 waits to leave Leeds with the 1005 to Kings Cross on 1st August 1998.

91026 on the approaches to Peterborough whilst hauling the 1410 Kings Cross - Leeds on 1st June 1991.

Another shot from Newark Northgate, this is of 91027 pushing the 1438 Leeds - Kings Cross on 21st May 1994.

91028 looks impressive at Stevenage on July 17th 1994, whilst propelling the 1400 Edinburgh - Kings Cross.

91031 propels the 1430 Edinburgh - Kings Cross at Peterborough on May 21st 1994.

91105 at Leeds with the 1105 from Kings Cross. March 11th 2004.

91112 waits to leave Peterborough on March 11th 2004 with the 1000 Kings Cross - Edinburgh.

91114 leaves Edinburgh on 18th April 2006 with the 1500 to Kings Cross. Mrs Shergold can be seen admiring the Sparky on the left of the picture!

91119 at Kings Cross on 17th April 2004.

91121 rests at Kings Cross inbetween duties. April 17th 2004.

91125 with what was running in the path of the 0642 Skipton - Kings Cross at Peterborough on 11th February 2006.

A pair of 91s line up at Kings Cross on 10th March 2007 - on the right, 91129 waits to leave with the 0700 to Edinburgh Waverley.

91130 at The Cross, before working the 0945 to Edinburgh. 10th January 2004.

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]]> Tue Aug 8 2006 Gronks and other "Small" locos - Classes 01 to 17 http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1342035.html The use of a shunter on a passenger train is too good to miss, although I did miss one at Sheffield on a booked shunt maneovure in 1986. And a few tours. Then again, with over a thousand of these built, you can probably afford to miss one or two and not realise it. Top bashes? D2953, D2854, 03158 (scored on a day when it wasn't even advertised as running, and part of a set of moves which involved four different railways in one day), D2203, D2587, D2994, 08795, D4067, 12131, 15224, D9525 on Peak Rail in 2006 (making the most awesome departure from Rowsley South) and of course, the sole Clayton, D8568. Sunday 6 August 2006: The use of a shunter on a passenger train is too good to miss, although I did miss one at Sheffield on a booked shunt maneovure in 1986. And a few tours. Then again, with over a thousand of these built, you can probably afford to miss one or two and not realise it. Top bashes? D2953, D2854, 03158 (scored on a day when it wasn't even advertised as running, and part of a set of moves which involved four different railways in one day), D2203, D2587, D2994, 08795, D4067, 12131, 15224, D9525 on Peak Rail in 2006 (making the most awesome departure from Rowsley South) and of course, the sole Clayton, D8568.

The slightly improbable combination of 08331, 20227 & 20189 back onto the stock of the 1520 to Hammersmith at Swanwick Junction on 25th April 2009. This was one of three consecutive services that featured a shunter

04's didn't last long enough on British Rail to get TOPS numbers, so here is a case of what might have been. D2310, running as 04110, is seen with 03170 at Shenton on 19th April 2008, about to work the 1330 to Shackerstone.

08643 is seen at Bishops Lydeard on 14th June 2008. It had just worked the return leg of the 1010 Bishops Lydeard - Norton Fitzwarren - Bishops Lydeard shuttle.

HNRC's 07001 is uncoupled from a shuttle at Barrow Hill on 8th August 2009, after double heading with ex-Industrial Shunter Stanton No 50.

D9521 pulls into Barry Island on August 25th 2007 with the 1131 Woodhams Halt - Plymouth Road.

D2133 rests at Minehead on June 14th 2008 after working the 1239 from Dunster.

A numberless 08123 arrives at Cholsey on Bank Holiday Monday, 26th May 2008, with the 1110 from Wallingford.

08881, running in BR green as D4095, waits to leave Toddington with the 1120 to Winchcombe on July 10th 2009. Coupled inside is 37215, being used as a brake translator because the vacuum braked Mark 1s are being hauled by an Air Brake only Gronk.

A series of top and tail

Looks can be deceiving...only two of these four Teddybears were crewed, but still, it looks quite good. D9520, D9523, D9504 and D9516 leave Ferry Meadows on October 6th 2007 with the 1055 Peterborough - Wansford.

08511 was the

Class 14 D9504 backs onto the stock of the 1445 to Yarwell Junction at Wansford on October 6th 2007.

D3182 at Winchcombe on 10th July 2009 with the 1410 to Toddington.

03179 backs onto the stock of the 1235 to Yarwell Junction at Wansford on March 1st 2008.

Class 03 D2023, one of the examples that never received a TOPS number, waits in Tenterden Town station on May 3rd 2009 before working the 1715

07007 was the star turn at the Swanage Gala in May 2008, making it's first appearances outside of Eastleigh Works for 30+ years. It was used on brakevans with 08436 as far as the yard, and the

03158 (D2158) at Wirksworth on July 14th 2007 after working the 1400 from Ravenstor.

The NRM's D2860 was used on brakevan trips at the GWSR Shunter Gala at Toddington on July 10th 2009. Inbetween workings, the loco was stabled north of the station on the at-the-time unopened extension towards Broadway, where it is seen in this photograph.

April 19th 2008, and the 1200 Shackerstone - Shenton was worked by D2310, 73114 and 03170 sandwiched in the middle. The 03 (with 04 behind) are uncoupled from the train on arrival at Shenton.

A situation where an industrial owned loco was located on a preserved railway - 08915 was in use on passenger trips at Castle Hedingham on March 9th 2008, and is seen here before working the 1210 departure.

More

Another one of the 03s that was taken out of BR service before it got a TOPS number, D2178 is seen in action at Llwyfan Cerrig banking a train from Danycoed to Bronwydd Arms on 13th June 2009. This was one of several trips run over the railway in connection with a railtour from London to Carmarthen.

The Cholsey & Wallingford Railway is home to two ex-Guinness shunters, that were used at their Park Royal base. Whilst at Park Royal, the locos lost their TOPS numbers and were given names instead.

D2587 on brakevan rides at Rowsley South on May 12th 2007.

08769 at Kidderminster Town on March 19th 2006 with the 1240 to Kidderminster Carriage Sidings.

The Severn Valley's 08015 (D3022) had a rare passenger run on March 19th 2006 when it worked shuttles into Kidderminster Carriage Sidings. It is seen here after arrival back at Kidderminster Town with the 1315 departure.

Class 04 D2203 at Embsay on March 26th 2006 with the 1030 to Bolton Abbey.

08773 at Embsay on March 26th 2006, working the 1335 Embsay - Bow Bridge - Embsay shuttle.

03084 at Ravenstor on 14th January 2006, after pushing the 1330 from Wirksworth.

Class 02 D2868 on shuttles at Barrow Hill on July 8th 2006.

Class 10 D3489 arrives with 09004 at Groombridge on August 5th 2006 with the 1200 Tunbridge Wells West - Groombridge Loop - Tunbridge Wells West.

07010 (D2994) rolls into Bitton on August 26th 2006 with the 1420 Avon Riverside - Oldland Common.

D2284 on brakevan shuttles at Rowsley South on September 23rd 2006.

Class 02 D2854 on brakevan trips at Rowsley South on September 23rd 2006.

Class 01 D2953 runs light into Rowsley South from the heritage shunters yard in order to work a brakevan trip on September 23rd 2006.

D2041 was in action at the Colne Valley Railway on August 31st 1991, and is seen here at Castle Hedingham station.

03066 at Barrow Hill, awaiting it's next shuttle duty, on July 8th 2006.

03089 (D2089) in action at Mangapps Farm on June 21st 1992.

Boston Docks shunter 03112 (D2112) has made several appearances at the Nene Valley over the years. It was in use during the diesel gala on August 1st 1992, seen here at Wansford.

03119 on Norton Fitzwarren shuttles at Bishops Lydeard on 8th May 2004.

D2138 brings the ECS for a shunter shuttle from the yard into the station at Swanwick Junction on July 24th 1994.

03145 on the PLEG/BLS trip at Moreton On Lugg - the Gronk is seen arriving at the B Shed with the final leg of the 1100 departure. June 3rd 2007.

03162 (D2162) rolls into Glyndyfrdwy to work a brake van trip on May 15th 1994. The 03 had spent most of the day not working passenger trips, but was finally wheeled out late in the afternoon.

D2184 at Castle Hedingham on July 17th 1994, being uncoupled from the 1200 ex-Castle Hedingham!

03399 was used on brakevan trips at Mangapps Farm on June 21st 1992, seen here on one such working.

D2279 in action at the East Anglian Railway Museum on July 3rd 1991. The 04 is seen working the 1330 shuttle at Chappel And Wakes Colne station.

D2298 on shuttles at Quainton Road on 17th February 2007.

D2325 is seen on a brake van working at Mangapps Farm on June 21st 1992.

D2334 at Cheddleton on 7th August 1994.

D2578 at Moreton Loco Shed on June 3rd 2007 with the 1215 PLEG/BLS Crankex.

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]]> Sun Aug 6 2006 Class 50s http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1342027.html For most of their lives, a passenger class, so in some respects not too exciting. But they do make a noise and clag a bit so respect is due. Three got away from me as far as haulage is concerned, made all the worse by the fact that I have pictures of all three on passenger trains! Top bash? 50007 & 33116 on the all station "relief" from Windsor to Clapham in 1989 - front coach, and a night to remember... Sunday 8 July 2007: For most of their lives, a passenger class, so in some respects not too exciting. But they do make a noise and clag a bit so respect is due. Three got away from me as far as haulage is concerned, made all the worse by the fact that I have pictures of all three on passenger trains! Top bash? 50007 & 33116 on the all station "relief" from Windsor to Clapham in 1989 - front coach, and a night to remember...

50001 at Basingstoke on August 13th 1988 with the 0810 Waterloo - Exeter St Davids.

Despite the fact that the Push-Pull 33s were officially removed from the Salisbury services in 1989, the 4TC stock continued to be used, often with other forms of traction. 50002 rests at Waterloo on 2nd November 1989 after working the 1318 from Salisbury.

50003 storms through Whitchurch on 6th May 1989 with the 1220 Exeter St Davids - Waterloo.

50005 at Waterloo on 10th February 1990 with the 1015 to Salisbury.

50007 leaves Windsor & Eton Riverside with the 1238

50008 at Reading on June 4th 1988 with the 1115 Paddington - Oxford.

Once another bashers hangout, Cosham is nowadays just another station served by units. 50009 arrives with the 0933 Plymouth - Brighton on 13th January 1990.

The sun shines through the overall roof at Penzance as 50010 rests after working a Merrymaker excursion from Paddington on November 2nd 1985.

The first 50 to get withdrawn was 50011. In it's last 12 months of service, it is seen at Waterloo with the 1110 Exeter St Davids service. June 11th 1986.

50012 at Exeter St Davids on July 26th 1986, about to head east with the 1030 Paignton - Paddington.

50013 arrives at Bristol Temple Meads on October 12th 1985 with the 0936 Liverpool Lime Street - Penzance.

50015 & 50008 during a photostop at Hereford on the last leg of the

50016 arrives at Clapham Junction on 16th December 1989 with the 0950 Salisbury - Waterloo.

50017 was used on the Liverpool Street - Harwich and Clacton - Liverpool Street sections of an NSE organised railtour of the Eastern Region on August 26th 1991 in connection with the Colchester Open Day. The Vac featured alongside 4 Class 37s, and is seen on arrival at The Street.

50018 heads through Clapham Junction on October 29th 1988 with the 0817 Exeter St Davids - Waterloo.

50019 takes the ECS of the 1217 ex-Paddington out of Oxford on 28th November 1987.

50020 heads west at Reading on December 13th 1986.

50021 & 50024 head the 0955 Oxford - Paddington at Reading on November 7th 1987. This was the return leg of a working which was often paired to allow a loco recently repaired at Old Oak a test run on the main line, although rarely were both locos under power.

50022 at Paddington on July 25th 1986 with the 1417 Paddington - Oxford.

50023 prepares to leave Oxford dragging a failed DMU as the 1226 to Hereford. November 28th 1987.

50024 approaches Paddington on August 27th 1988 with the 1500 from Oxford.

My friend Coventry Martin is seen

50026 (and an out-of-sight 50032) rest on the blocks at Kings Cross after working the

50027 arrives at Basingstoke on July 23rd 1988 with the 0710 Totnes - Waterloo.

50028 at Basingstoke on a misty November 5th 1988 with the 0910 Waterloo - Exeter St Davids.

50029 at Basingstoke on July 23rd 1988 with the 0910 Waterloo - Exeter St Davids.

50030 approaches Oxford on June 11th 1988 with the 1017 from Paddington.

50031, running as 431, at Alton on April 27th 2002 after powering a train from Alresford.

50's had never been too common north of Birmingham after their reallocation to the Western Region, but the 1118 Wolverhampton - Paddington during the summer of 89 was a regular turn. 50032 runs towards Oxford on July 8th 1989.

A classic train now long gone was the 1812 Paddington - Banbury, a commuter train which ran over the

50034 rolls into Torquay on June 18th 1988 with the 1500 Paignton - Cardiff Central.

The 1025 Paignton - Paddington was one of the few trains to run non stop through Reading. 50035 takes the middle road on June 3rd 1989.

50036 north of Oxford with the 1415 Paddington - Birmingham New Street on July 8th 1989.

April Fools Day 1986, and 50037 leaves the trams behind at Paddington as it departs with the 1711 to Twyford.

50038 pokes out from under the canopy at Reading whilst at the head of the 1117 Paddington - Oxford on 13th December 1986.

50039 pounds along the fast lines at Ealing Broadway on 17th February 1989 with the 1440 Newbury - Paddington.

50040 waits to leave Paddington on May 9th 1987 with the 0658 to Birmingham New Street.

50041 rolls into Exeter St Davids on October 5th 1985 with the 1050 Penzance - Brighton.

50042 waits at Woking with the 1110 Waterloo - Exeter St Davids on March 29th 1988.

Once a rare sight at Southampton, the 50s became regular visitors in 1989 and 1990. 50043 arrives with the 0933 Plymouth - Brighton on 17th February 1990.

D444, more commonly known as 50044, approaches Hampton Loade on 10th June 2006 with the 1150 Bridgnorth - Kidderminster Town.

50045 clags away from Paddington on 12th March 1988 with the 1617 to Oxford.

50's were always popular with the

50048 leaves Woking on April 15th 1989 with the 1310 Waterloo - Exeter St Davids.

50049 departs from Yeovil Junction on May 6th 1989 with the 0910 Waterloo - Exeter St Davids.

50050 (D400) leaves Andover on October 26th 1991 with the 0915 Waterloo - Exeter St Davids.

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]]> Sun Jul 8 2007 Various Other Gronks and Oddities! http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1341951.html What can you say? More odds and sods, and some great little machines in here. I particularly love the LUL Battery Locos, what a shame there seems to be no interest/opportunity for more of them to work railtours. Top bash? Unsurprisingly, L44 through my old home of Hornchurch in 1990. Sunday 1 January 2006: What can you say? More odds and sods, and some great little machines in here. I particularly love the LUL Battery Locos, what a shame there seems to be no interest/opportunity for more of them to work railtours. Top bash? Unsurprisingly, L44 through my old home of Hornchurch in 1990.

Planet shunter, works number 3906, waits to leave Titley Junction with a brake van trip on July 13th 2007.

Ex London Transport Sentinel shunter DL83 is attached to the 1030 to Yarwell Junction at Wansford on the Nene Valley. October 6th 2007.

Another Sentinel, this one is PB39, based at the East Somerset Railway. It is seen after top and tailing the 1200 ex-Cranmore West at Mendip Vale on 21st June 2008.

Built by British Thompson-Houston in 1931 for use in the Ford Works plant in Dagenham, BTH40 sits at Northiam with the 0930 Tenterden - Bodiam on May 3rd 2009.

Spanish Class 252 electric 252 031 runs light through Madrid Chamartin, prior to working the 1900 to Paris. April 20th 2007.

Given that I have plenty of required locos in the UK, I tend not to consider the amount of winners abroad. But the odd holiday has brought a few bits of additional haulage. This is 252-068-2 at Madrid Chamartin on April 16th 2007, after working from Irun with the beds from Paris.

French 7200 Class Sleeper loco 107261 at Paris Austerlitz on 15th April 2007 with the 1943 to Madrid Chamartin.

Barrow Hill played host to this

107262 at Paris Austerlitz on April 21st 2007, after working the previous night's 1900 from Madrid Chamartin.

There are several preserved shunters that look like ex-BR machines, but never actually worked for British Rail at all. Drewry Shunter works number 2573/7859 is virtually identical to the Class 04, but this example spent it's life in industrial use. It has now been restored to look like an 04, complete with a BR number that it might have gained had it been built for the British Railways network. 11230 arrives at Toddington with a train from Winchcombe on 10th July 2009.

269 408 brings the 1245 A Coruna - Madrid Chamartin into Avila on 18th April 2007.

Whilst a handful of Dutch 600 Class shunters are preserved in the UK, many more are in industrial use. This one may look like it's in BR green, but it's the

The Spa Valley Railway's shunter

My own picture of 67605 is currently

A Dutch equivalent of an 08, NS663 is seen at Meldon Quarry on October 15th 2006. The loco later ran to Okehampton to work the 1515 back to the Quarry.

Sentinel shunter 10202

Ex London Transport/Metropolitan Railway loco no 12

MOD gronks 273SA & 274SA on arrival at Kineton with the

Army shunters 274SA & 273SA wait to leave Kineton on March 13th 1994 with the

Another Army Shunter used on the

And pictures of 265SA on shuttles at Ludgershall in 1987 are equally elusive. This is the beast at Kineton on 13th March 1994.

Ex British Rail unclassified gronk D226 at Keighley on 1st August 1998, after working the 1315 from Ingrow West.

Another ex-BR unclassified Gronk, D2511 waits to leave Ingrow West on June 16th 2007 with the 1400 to Keighley.

Hunslet 3395 is seen at Bere Ferrers on April 3rd 1994, giving trips at the, at the time, fledgling Tamar Belle railway.

The amount of London Underground Battery locos that have worked passenger trains can probably be counted on one hand. Here, L44 approaches Hornchurch on 5th August 1990 with the 1501 Cranham - Upney, run in conjunction with an open day at Cranham Depot in Upminster.

Paris Gare Du Nord, and 216000 class loco 16024 has arrived from Amiens. September 10th 1994.

116043, in action (I believe) between Orry la Ville and Coye la for�t on 15th July 2006. Copyright (C) Jean-Pierre Vergez-Larrouy.

French 167400 class loco 67439 at Boulougne Ville on September 10th 1994 with a Paris bound train, which it worked to Amiens.

The EuroDisney theme park in Paris has it's own narrow gauge railway that runs round the edge of the park.

The EuroDisney miniature railway runs in a loop from Main Street station. Here,

There is a book called

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]]> Sun Jan 1 2006 Class 57s http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1341946.html In some respects, the saviours of bashing on ex-BR metals. It's always good when the gen filters through that the Nuneaton drags will be on for three months soon... Top bash? 57315 on "real" coaches from Nuneaton to New Street in 2007, although having one of these monsters over the bridge at Saltash as five to midnight is equally awesome. Wednesday 6 June 2007: In some respects, the saviours of bashing on ex-BR metals. It's always good when the gen filters through that the Nuneaton drags will be on for three months soon... Top bash? 57315 on "real" coaches from Nuneaton to New Street in 2007, although having one of these monsters over the bridge at Saltash as five to midnight is equally awesome.

57005 has worked at least one passenger train since it's conversion from 47350 - but not quite in this picture. It is seen here on the rear of the

57302 arrives at a drenched Wolverhampton on August 18th 2007 with the ECS for the 1618 to Euston.

57/0s don't seem to get much of a run on passenger trains - it seems that as they are

Artistic license here, as this Ronnie is not actually working a passenger train...West Coast Rail's 57601 not only works tours, but sometimes appears as an

57303 waits at Wolverhampton on July 14th 2007 with the 1918 to Euston.

57304 at Nuneaton after working the 0818 Wolverhampton - Euston, on July 7th 2007.

With the building work on the site of the old Low Level station developing behind the loco, 57308 waits to leave Wolverhampton High Level on July 28th 2007 with the 1018 to Euston.

57311 at Nuneaton on July 7th 2007, prior to

57301 rolls into Sandwell & Dudley on January 7th 2007 with the 1056 Euston - Wolverhampton.

The ECS for the 1418 Wolverhampton - Euston is brought into Wolverhampton by 57305 on 7th January 2007.

57306 at Wolverhampton on January 7th 2007, after working the 1156 from Euston forward from Nuneaton.

Two years after the

57604 at Penzance on 5th June 2005 with the 2100 to Paddington.

57603 at Paddington on 7th June 2005, after arrival with the previous evening's 2200 from Penzance.

In the first few years since it's conversion from a 47, 57314 was a notoriously uncommon loco on the Nuneaton drags. It is seen here arriving at Birmingham New Street on July 2nd 2005 with the 0818 Wolverhampton - Euston. True to form, the loco promptly failed on arrival at Nuneaton!

The first weekend in July 2003 was when the webmaster first met the future Mrs Shergold. As such, I missed the East Lancs Diesel Gala, but Ian Morrish of

57012 is seen on the rear of the

57307 arrives at Wolverhampton on July 10th 2004 with the 1135 from Euston.

57309 rolls into Wolverhampton on 25th February 2007, having dragged the 1056 ex-Euston from Nuneaton.

57310 leaves Birmingham New Street on August 29th 2005 with the 1100 Wolverhampton - Euston.

57312 hurries towards Smethwick Rolfe Street on 25th February 2007 with the 1118 Wolverhampton - Euston.

One time NB loco 57313 races through Tipton on July 15th 2006 with the 1418 Wolverhampton - Euston.

57316 is attached to the 1620 Euston - Wolverhampton at Nuneaton on August 5th 2006.

57605 at Penzance during the evening of 6th September 2005. The loco later worked the 2200 to Paddington.

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]]> Wed Jun 6 2007 Class 67s http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1341422.html Another class ignored by some for being "too new", try telling that to the hoards of us who crammed into the front coaches of the Paigntons in 2004! Have done quite well in managing to get most for haulage, although there have been a few spectacular misses. Top bash? 67028 past the sea wall at Dawlish in 2006. Tuesday 2 January 2007: Another class ignored by some for being "too new", try telling that to the hoards of us who crammed into the front coaches of the Paigntons in 2004! Have done quite well in managing to get most for haulage, although there have been a few spectacular misses. Top bash? 67028 past the sea wall at Dawlish in 2006.

67005 & 67006 wait at Barnt Green on November 24th 2007 with the

Yet another

67022 rolls into Tame Bridge Parkway on 14th July 2008 whilst working the 1110 Wrexham General - Marylebone.

67011 pauses at Rannoch on September 4th 2007 with the previous nights 2115 Euston - Fort William.

The umpteeneth tour to run under the name of the

Scotrail acquired the use of a series of 67s for Sleeper services after the eventual phasing out of the 37s on these trains, but every so often, the locos would work elsewhere. 67007 sits at Birmingham New Street on June 7th 2009 with the 1311 Wrexham General - Marylebone. It should be noted the loco was on the rear of the train working in push-pull mode (67s do not have to be adapted too much to do this) and on this occasion, the train terminated here because the DVT failed.

The introduction of loco hauled trains between Wrexham & London in 2008 was a much needed boost on the bashing scene. 67013 pulls into Tame Bridge Parkway on May 2nd 2008 with the 1110 Wrexham General - Marylebone.

When the Wrexham & Shropshire service launched, the lack of serviceable DVT's meant that 67s had to top and tail (with the loco on the rear switched off). Thus, 6 locos rather than 3 were needed each day, so EWS examples had to be hired in. 67026 sits in the sun at Wrexham General with the 0645 from Marylebone on 30th April 2008.

67020 in seen on the approaches to Potters Bar on 24th May 2008 with the

A period in store resulted in 67008 becoming one of the rarer

67030 at Arrocar & Tarbet with the late running (previous nights) 2025 from Euston - September 4th 2006.

67014 waits at Inverness on September 8th 2006 with the 2040 to Euston.

67001 arrives at Derby on August 14th 2004 with the 0708 York - Paignton.

67002 at Wolverhampton on July 10th 2004 with the 0843 Paignton - Preston.

67003 approaches Derby with the 0708 York - Paignton on July 24th 2004.

During their early years in the UK, the 67s were provided for several Spin And Wins as they had no passenger diagrams. 67009 is seen at Paddington on 21st September 2002 with the

67010 at Birmingham New Street on July 17th 2004 whilst in charge of the 0708 York - Paignton.

67012 pulls into Birmingham New Street with 0843 Paignton - Preston on 17th July 2004. In order to get to Wolverhampton, this train could run either via the Soho curves or Bescot, and seemed to be booked to go either way.

67015 is seen on arrival at Bristol Temple Meads with the 0951 Preston - Paignton on August 14th 2004.

67016 rolls through Five Ways with the first ever booked 67 passenger turn to leave Paignton - the 0843 to Preston on July 3rd 2004.

One of numerous Pathfinder trips to run under the

67018 sits at Par on August 6th 2005, with the ECS for the return leg of the

67019 arrives at Derby on July 10th 2004 with the 0708 York - Paignton.

67021 at Derby on July 31st 2004 with the 0708 York - Paignton.

67024 at Cheltenham Spa on the 0605 Sheffield - Penzance

67025 pulls into Barnt Green on May 2nd 2005 with the

67027 nears Bournville on July 3rd 2004 with the 0708 York - Paignton.

67028 brings the empty stock of the

Included for one reason only - this, strangely, was the first loco I cleared for 1000 miles. That's the problem with chasing new engines - a lack of mileage per machine is the usual outcome! The skip is seen at Birmingham New Street on July 29th 2006 after the run from St Austell.

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]]> Tue Jan 2 2007 Classes 87 and 89 http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1340871.html The 87s are locomotives, and therefore, I love them. But, I am slightly amazed by the fact that there are some bashers who do 87s and nothing else...Still, I was almost in tears as 87010 left Euston for the last time on June 10th 2005, as it felt that it was one of the biggest nails in the coffin of loco hauled travel in the UK. Top bash? 87019 on the last one into Euston the same day is the main contender. And of course, the 89 is a unique machine, but the fact that I landed on it "by accident" makes it's Top Bash status extra-special. Wednesday 16 August 2006: The 87s are locomotives, and therefore, I love them. But, I am slightly amazed by the fact that there are some bashers who do 87s and nothing else...Still, I was almost in tears as 87010 left Euston for the last time on June 10th 2005, as it felt that it was one of the biggest nails in the coffin of loco hauled travel in the UK. Top bash? 87019 on the last one into Euston the same day is the main contender. And of course, the 89 is a unique machine, but the fact that I landed on it "by accident" makes it's Top Bash status extra-special.

It wasn't quite the end, but 87019 was turned out for what was the last booked 87 hauled passenger train into Euston on June 10th 2005. The 0638 Wolverhampton - Euston is seen here at Coventry.

The end of an era (sort of) as 87010 & a dead 87002 prepare to leave Euston with the last ever booked 87 hauled passenger train, the 0938 to Manchester Piccadilly on June 10th 2005. 87s did return to the route for a while in 2006, but the fact that Euston is now virtually overrun by 390s is a terrible state of affairs.

87001 at Runcorn on June 25th 1994 with the 0945 Liverpool Lime Street - Euston.

87002 at Coventry on December 3rd 2004 with the 1406 Wolverhampton - Euston.

87003 waits to leave Euston on 18th June 1998 with the 1600 to Manchester Piccadilly.

87004 races northwards at Willesden on August 9th 1997 with a train from Euston.

87005 at Birmingham New Street on 3rd November 1990. It was awaiting the arrival of the 0912 Brighton - Glasgow Central, which it was booked to work through to it's destination.

87006 at Coventry on December 5th 1987 with a working from Manchester Piccadilly to Brighton.

87007 at Birmingham International on 24th February 2004 with the 1519 Wolverhampton - Euston.

87008 on the 0800 to Wolverhampton at Euston, 25th November 1990.

87009 pulls into Birmingham New Street on 22nd September 1990 with the 1625 Wolverhampton - Euston.

87011 comes off the Wilmslow line at Crewe with the 1200 Manchester Piccadilly - Euston on October 15th 1988.

87012 at Birmingham International on 8th April 2004 with the 1345 Euston - Wolverhampton.

87013 at Carlisle on 9th April 1988 with the 0730 Euston - Glasgow Central.

87014 arrives at Carlisle on October 8th 1988 with the 1314 Edinburgh - Manchester Victoria.

87015 pushes the 1348 to Euston out of Birmingham New Street on February 2nd 1991.

87016 at Birmingham International, about to propel southwards with the 1615 Birmingham New Street - Euston on 4th July 1998.

87017 on the 0925 Wolverhampton - Euston at Wolverhampton on 22nd September 1990. At the time, 87s, Railfrieght 90s or pretty much any AC loco could appear on this service.

87018 at Carlisle on January 30th 1988 with the 1030 Euston - Glasgow Central.

87020 rolls into Carlisle on 19th July 1986 with the 0745 Euston - Inverness.

87021 pushes a southbound InterCity working through Crewe on 25th June 1994.

87022 pulls into Birmingham International on September 24th 1988 with the 1218 Manchester Piccadilly - Paddington.

87023 stands at Watford Junction on 30th June 1991 with the 1030 Euston - Manchester Piccadilly.

87024 is seen at Birmingham International propelling the 1437 Euston - Wolverhampton on 18th June 2004.

87025 at Milton Keynes Central on September 7th 1991 with the 1630 Manchester Piccadilly - Euston.

87026 at Birmingham International on December 4th 2004, running an hour late with the 1015 Euston - Birmingham New Street.

87027 in the early morning gloom at Milton Keynes Central on February 2nd 1991 with the 0800 Euston - Birmingham New Street.

87028 after arriving at Carlisle on January 21st 1989 with the 0720 Euston - Glasgow Central.

87029 heading south to Euston at Willesden Depot on August 9th 1997.

87030 on a northbound InterCity working at Stafford on 26th February 1991.

87031 at Birmingham New Street on March 2nd 1991 with the 1318 Manchester Piccadilly - Birmingham International.

87032 at Wolverhampton on 2nd February 1991 with the 0912 Edinburgh - Birmingham International.

87033 at Wolverhampton on 4th July 1998 after arrival with the 0835 from Euston.

87034 takes over the 0810 Bristol Temple Meads - Carlisle at Birmingham New Street on 22nd September 1990.

87035 waits at Stafford on March 2nd 1991 with the 0920 Paddington - Manchester Piccadilly.

87101 arrives at Carlisle on October 8th 1988 with the 0945 from Euston.

89001 waits to leave Leeds on October 8th 1988 with the 1000 to Kings Cross, a semi-regular duty for the Badger at the time.

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]]> Wed Aug 16 2006 Class 90s http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1340867.html Why do some people still snear at 90s for being "new", "not exciting"...they are 20 years old now and less than half the class are currently "passenger" locos. They've had their moments, as these pictures show. Top bash? A required 90024 from Stratford to The Street, for a required 90031 to Colchester, for a required 90038 back to London in 2004. My lords! Wednesday 9 August 2006: Why do some people still snear at 90s for being "new", "not exciting"...they are 20 years old now and less than half the class are currently "passenger" locos. They've had their moments, as these pictures show. Top bash? A required 90024 from Stratford to The Street, for a required 90031 to Colchester, for a required 90038 back to London in 2004. My lords!

Virgin's reliance on the Pendolino fleet is such that even one set out of service can cause chaos. Loco hauled substitutions have occured on an almost non stop basis since the

Of all the Freightliner 90s, this one was, until 13th December 2008, the biggest - having been out of service when FL 90s were hired in to work on the Great Eastern Main Line in the early

90030 at Birmingham New Street on 9th June 2005 with the 1648 to Manchester Piccadilly.

90034 at the blocks at Euston, after working one of the

This is 90002 at Stratford on June 10th 2005, working the 1030 Liverpool Street - Norwich.

In it's interim

It was literally days after the end of 87s on the Euston route that EWS 90s stepped up to cover for a shortage of Pendolinos. 90039 sits at Birmingham New Street with the 1510 from Euston. June 20th 2005.

90040 at Birmingham New Street on July 7th 2005, waiting to leave with the 1648 to Manchester Piccadilly. There were two sets of Voyager diagrams that the 90s used to deputise for on this line, sometimes with both diagrams being covered by two loco hauled sets on one day.

90001 at Norwich on September 20th 2004 with the 1440 to Liverpool Street.

90003 looks an impressive sight at Wolverhampton on June 8th 1991 with the 0912 Edinburgh - Birmingham International.

90004 arrives at Crewe on February 4th 1989 with the 0850 Glasgow Central - Penzance.

90005 amidst the snow of Euston on February 9th 1991.

90006 is in One livery, but the stock is still in Anglian livery, as it waits to leave Norwich with the 1700 to Liverpool Street. September 18th 2004.

90007 sits at Euston on May 4th 1992, prior to working the 1050 to Liverpool Lime Street.

Matching loco and stock at Shenfield on 14th August 2006, as 90008 waits to leave with the 1300 Norwich - Liverpool Street.

90009 races into Birmingham International on 30th April 2004 with the 1515 Euston - Wolverhampton.

90010 waits to leave Milton Keynes Central on February 2nd 1991 with the 1710 Liverpool Lime Street - Euston.

90011 departs Birmingham International with the 1715 Birmingham New Street - Euston on July 29th 2000.

90012 at Carlisle on January 21st 1989 with the 0945 Ayr - Euston.

My first run on a

90015 waits to leave Watford Junction with a train to Euston on May 12th 2001.

During the brief period when EWS 90s were used on the GE Main Line to compensate with the run down of the 86s on the route, 90016 arrives at Stratford with a Norwich - Liverpool Street working on 24th January 2004.

Painted in InterCity livery when first delivered, 90017 is now a

90018 at Euston on January 14th 1989 with the 0820 to Blackpool North.

Whilst several of the Railfreight liveried 90s were taken off of passenger working in 1991, some of the members that were due to eventually become RES machines remained in InterCity colours and continued to work passenger trains. 90019 at Euston with the 0800 to Birmingham New Street on September 28th 1991.

90s have never been too rare on the East Coast Main Line, but the appearance of one is still a bonus. 90021 sits at Stevenage on May 25th 1994 whilst propelling the 1635 Newcastle - Kings Cross.

90023 leaves a bitterly cold Euston on February 9th 1991 with the 1330 to Wolverhampton.

One of the more bizarre paint jobs, was putting 90024 into GNER livery for it to then spend most of it's time away from the route. It is seen here having been passed back to EWS ownership at Liverpool Street on 17th April 2004, after working the 0700 from Norwich.

90025 lifts the 0855 Glasgow Central - Paignton into Wolverhampton on September 22nd 1990.

90027 hurries past Willesden depot on 7th April 1989 with the 1200 Euston - Manchester Piccadilly.

The Northampton

An interesting period for 90 bashing was in the late 80s/early 90s, as members of the class were painted in non-passenger liveries but were used for a while on passenger duties, before eventually becoming

On 1st April 2004,

90033 at Northampton on 16th December 2004 with the 1722 from Euston.

As the class 87 rundown began on the WCML, EWS 90's joined in the fun. 90035 waits at Birmingham International on 4th December 2004 with the 1236 Euston - Wolverhampton.

90036 puts in an unusual appearance on the 1030 Liverpool Street - Diss at Romford on 9th December 2006.

90037 with the empty stock for the 1648 to Manchester Piccadilly at Birmingham New Street on 13th September 2005.

90038, one of the

90041 pulls into Wolverhampton on 15th September 1990 with the 0757 Liverpool Lime Street - Poole. The stock on the right, bound for Euston, followed 5 minutes behind this working, powered by 90048!

Although painted in RFD livery, the last batch of 90s were used regularly on passenger workings in 1990. 90042 is seen at Wolverhampton on September 1st 1990 with the 0757 Liverpool Lime Street - Poole.

Once the winter 1990/91 timetable kicked in, Railfreight 90s began to feature less heavily on passenger work. 90044 waits to leave the cramped surroundings of Wolverhampton on November 3rd 1990 with the 0825 Euston - Inverness.

90045 waits to leave Wolverhampton on 1st September 1990 with the 0818 Bristol Temple Meads - Carlisle.

90048 prepares to depart Milton Keynes Central with the 1710 Liverpool Lime Street - Euston. September 22nd 1990.

Working one of it's earliest passenger trains, 90049 waits to leave Manchester Oxford Road on October 20th 1990 with the 1050

90022 propels the 1424 to Birmingham New Street out of Manchester Piccadilly on December 9th 2004. Despite the rumours that the following day would be the last day 90s worked this service instead of a Voyagers, 90s remained on these services on a regular basis for several more years.

90026 rests at Birmingham New Street on 26th September 2005 with the 1211 from Euston.

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]]> Wed Aug 9 2006 Narrow Gauge and Miniature Railways http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1340749.html As somebody once told me, they all count...some of these locos are more hellfire than their normal gauge counterparts! Top bash? D1095 at Barry is incredibly LOUD... Friday 4 August 2006: As somebody once told me, they all count...some of these locos are more hellfire than their normal gauge counterparts! Top bash? D1095 at Barry is incredibly LOUD...

Quite a rare photo this - this is midway around the miniature railway circuit at Ruddington, and this picture was taken during an impromtu photostop following the derailment of the passenger bench! 08512 on May 16th 2009.

A small section of narrow gauge track was laid at Merehead as part of the Cranmore 150 celebrations, and Gartell Light Railway loco No. 6

The fleet of diesels at the superb Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway get a run out now and then at special events. Here, Hunslet built loco (works number 6651)

May 16th 2009 again, and D6990 is seen on passenger duties at Little Ruddington.

D7016, normally based at the West Wilts SME, is seen at Merehead on June 21st 2008.

One of three locos that worked at the Barking Park Light Railway on May 24th 2009 was this Class 04 style loco, known as

E5015 rests at Little Ruddington on 16th May 2009 before working a passenger trip around the raised circuit.

Tramway style miniature loco No.7, in action at Fferm Gelert on 30th July 2008.

Visiting from the Bitterne Park Railway in Southampton, 1501 is seen on shuttles at Eastleigh Works on 23rd May 2009.

Class 08-alike D3089 storms towards the engine shed at the Ickenham Miniature Railway. April 5th 2008.

An impressive line up at Little Ruddington on 16th May 2009, with mini-Peak D60 in the foreground.

With an english nameplate on one side, and a welsh one on the other,

Lister shunter number 2 (works number 44052) stands at the entrance to the Kew Bridge Steam Museum on November 17th 2007. This, along with the steam loco in the background and the miniature railway alongside, was one of 8 locos working passenger trains on this date.

Caught on camera in a rather heavy downpour,

The

Converted ex-tunnelling loco

The

Southern loco 2036 in action at the Tonbridge MES on April 26th 2008.

398 at Island Halt on the Canvey Island Miniature Railway on 29th June 2008.

50035 in the shed at Ruddington, before working several late afternoon passenger runs at the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) on 16th May 2009.

Taken earlier the same day, here's a pic of D5711 on it's own at Little Ruddington on an ECS move on 16th May 2009.

Possibly the most bizarre scratch of all time, this is the Llechwedd Slate Museum's Battery-Electric loco, used on trips through the slate mining caverns, running mostly underground. Identified only by it's yellow livery and letter

08288 rests at Barry's Sidings at the Ickenham Miniature Railway between duties on 4th July 2009.

One of two tracks at the Canvey Island Miniature Railway, Maxitrak built Works number 2259 waits on the raised track at the Island Halt on June 29th 2008.

Tutherend Station on the Coalyard Miniature Railway was relocated in 2008/9 but the old station remains, and is now called Bostin Lodge. D821 is seen here on 10th October 2009 before working passenger duties later that day.

Here's an excellent miniature version of the Prototype Deltic, seen inbetween duties at Little Ruddington on 16th May 2009.

Take your pick with the

Whilst there seems to be no mention of their diesel fleet on their website, the Ffestiniog Railway does actually use diesels on quite a regular basis. With

Yes - they were multi-ed up! D5702 & D5711 arrive at Little Ruddington before working a passenger trip around the

Whilst RMR 103 escaped to Evesham, there is still a fleet of RMR numbered locos still in use at the Rhyl Miniature Railway fleet. 101

Since 1986, the Southend Pier Railway has operated diesel locomotives built by Severn Lamb in push pull mode. The

Bagnall built steamer

According to the driver, this miniature version of London Transport loco no 12

Mini Merchant Navy class loco 35031 with the

Lenny the Dog considers a leap on mini Deltic D9003 at the Canvey Island Miniature Railway on 29th June 2008.

No markings on this West Wilts SME machine, but the driver reliably informed me it's a 50 year old loco called

OK, so it looks like an IC125 power car, but as it operates as a regular loco (ie. no twin at the back of the train), it counts.

An unusual feature at the Evesham Vale Light Railway is the fact that trains traverse a loop at Evesham Vale in order to face the right way, rather than use a turntable. Ex-Rhyl Miniature Railway loco 103

Looking very much like a miniature version of Bekonscot's

Class 37 lookalike 4808

No 7

The two locos on the Southend Pier Railway have their own dedicated coaches, and the whole

When this photo was taken,

After arriving with a train from Llanfair Caereinion, 822

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]]> Fri Aug 4 2006 Class 47s http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1337853.html Jack of all trades, it's strange to think that the appearance of one of these on a passenger train nowadays is such a rarity. Somehow managed to get over half of them for haulage, which I remain quite pleased with. Could have done with some more NB examples though...Top bash? Several of the more unusual "no heat" workings below were good, but 47584 from Banbury to Reading in 1986 was a major thrill, a Stratford loco working "out of place" complete with Cockney Sparrow depot symbol on the side, the first time I'd ever seen one. Tuesday 10 July 2007: Jack of all trades, it's strange to think that the appearance of one of these on a passenger train nowadays is such a rarity. Somehow managed to get over half of them for haulage, which I remain quite pleased with. Could have done with some more NB examples though...Top bash? Several of the more unusual "no heat" workings below were good, but 47584 from Banbury to Reading in 1986 was a major thrill, a Stratford loco working "out of place" complete with Cockney Sparrow depot symbol on the side, the first time I'd ever seen one.

47643 is seen at Keighley on 5th June 2009, running round it's train after hauling the 1415 from Oxenhope.

The

Ex Scottish Beast, 47791, is seen at Barrow Hill about to work it's first passenger train for several years on August 23rd 2008. On the right is the loco it double headed the working with, Class 55 D9009.

47773 passes The Hawthorns in what can only be described as foul weather on December 8th 2007 with the

Super power for the 1514 Woodhams Halt - Plymouth Road on August 25th 2007 - patchwork liveried 47768 & 24081 are seen on the approaches to Barry Island.

47145 stands at Barrow Hill on July 8th 2006 having worked parts of the 1215 Deepcar special.

47004 (D1524) arrives at Churston on May 29th 1994 with the 1345 Kingswear - Paignton Queens Park.

47015 arrives at Reading on 19th April 1986 whilst in charge of the 0805 Portsmouth Harbour - Poole.

One of at least five NB locos to work in or out of Birmingham New Street on May 30th 1998, 47016 arrives at Wolverhampton with the 1230 Glasgow Central - Poole.

47049 leaves Sleaford with the late running 1310 Skegness - Sheffield on July 30th 1988.

47051 makes a welcome appearance at the head of the 0658 Llandudno train at Paddington on 12th July 1986.

With the time honoured Stratford Silver Roof on display, 47052 brings the 0855 Manchester Piccadilly - Poole relief into it's destination. August 31st 1985.

On 7th July 1990, 47540 failed in the Westbury area whilst working the 0855 Paignton - Paddington. 47063 was used to rescue the train, and is seen here arriving at Reading nearly two hours late.

47105 rests at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 13th 2004, having worked a train from Toddington.

47114 at Dover Western Docks on June 6th 1992, having worked from Folkestone with the

47117 at Bury Bolton Street on June 12th 1994, prior to departure with the 1655 to Rawtenstall.

47146 waits to leave Leicester on July 4th 1992 with the 1034 Yarmouth - Birmingham New Street.

Engineering works at Euston on August 11th 1991 resulted in several 47s working

47192 (D1842) arrives at Arley on 8th May 1993 with the 1115 Bridgnorth - Kidderminster Town.

47194 at Yarmouth on 18th July 1992 with the 0946 to Sheffield. The Brush worked as far as Norwich with this train.

After 33108 and 33106 suffered problems on a Waterloo - Cranmore railtour on October 7th 1989, 47197 was wheeled out for the return trip as far as Westbury. Here, it shunts the ECS before departure.

47200 & 47828 arrive at Wolverhampton on March 19th 2005 with the 0759 Shrewsbury - York special train.

47201 waits to leave Great Yarmouth (once Yarmouth Vauxhall) on 25th July 1992 with the 0946 to Sheffield.

47204 arrives at Boston on August 20th 1988 with the 0636 Sheffield - Skegness.

One of several photos courtesy of Alan Lea's excellent site devoted mostly to locos on passenger work. 47206 is seen at Dundee with the 1918 to Glasgow Queen Street on 17th April 1984. Copyright (C) Alan Lea.

47209 at Perth on 11th July 1985 with the 1005 Glasgow Queen Street - Inverness. Copyright (C) Alan Lea.

47212 at Alton on 27th April 2002, just before working a service train to Alresford.

47218 leaves Yarmouth on 24th July 1993 with the 1014 to Birmingham New Street.

A strange working on September 2nd 1989 - the 1705 Yarmouth - Liverpool Street was worked from Norwich to Ipswich by 47501 instead of the booked 86 - and was then promptly replaced by 47220! The no-heat loco is attached to the rake of Air Cons in this photo.

47221 & 47600 on the

47222 at Norwich on July 18th 1992 having runround the 0940 Sheffield - Yarmouth. A different 47/0 was supposed to work this portion, but seemed to have disappeared!

47223 leaves Norwich on 14th August 1993 with the 1014 Yarmouth - Birmingham New Street.

47224 pulls into Norwich on 3rd July 1993 with the 0930 Birmingham New Street - Yarmouth. Unlike the previous year, the 47 was booked to run round at Norwich, as opposed to another loco being used to take the train onward.

47225 arrives at Norwich,

47227 & 47600 wait to head to Waterloo at Salisbury on the

The unavailability of an ETH fitted 47, and the failure of 31438, prompted Stratford to provide 47228 for the 1630 Liverpool Street - Norwich as far as Shenfield on March 19th 1989. This was a regular working due to overhead line works. 228 is seen in the suburban platforms at Stratford with what ranks as one of my favourite

47234 sits at Peterborough on June 13th 1992 with the 0940 Sheffield - Yarmouth.

During 1993, the 1014 Yarmouth - Birmingham New Street ran via Burton as opposed to Nuneaton. 47236 waits to leave on August 28th.

47237 & 25059 at Keighley on June 16th 2007, allocated to work the 1115 to Oxenhope.

An elevated view of 47241 at Leicester, whilst working the 0850 Birmingham New Street - Yarmouth. July 4th 1992.

47258 powers out of Peterborough on June 27th 1992 with the 0850 Birmingham New Street - Yarmouth.

47270 arrives at Nuneaton with the early running 1034 Yarmouth - Birmingham New Street on May 16th 1992. That's my dad on the left, bombing it towards the footbridge as being a set down only stop, there was a chance the 47 might leave early!

47280 rolls into Derby on August 1st 1992 with the 0940 Sheffield - Yarmouth.

47281 on the rear of the

47284 prepares to work the 0740 Euston - Pwllheli forward from Wolverhampton on September 10th 1988.

47285 pulls into Nottingham on August 1st 1992 with the 0946 Yarmouth - Sheffield.

After 31410 failed on the 1330 Holyhead - Manchester Victoria on 12th June 1993, 47288 was sent from Llandudno Junction to assist. The pair are seen at Llandudno Junction some time later, about to head east with the train that was 90 minutes late at this point.

Twenty or so years before it was re-engined as 57316, 47290 backs onto the

47292 at Peterborough on May 23rd 1992 with the 1034 Yarmouth - Birmingham New Street.

47293 leaves Leicester on June 27th 1992 with the 1034 Yarmouth - Birmingham New Street.

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]]> Tue Jul 10 2007 Classes 40 to 46 http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1337814.html Again, mostly experienced via the wonders of preservation, although I am old enough to have seen quite a few 45s on passenger workings (although not old enough to have scored more for haulage). The 45s always seemed to be "life expired" and so whenever one appeared, there was major joy! Top bashes? 40145 from Leeds to Crewe in 2005, D832 on the East Lancs, 44008 chugging away on Peak Rail in 2006, and 45115 from Sheffield to Derby in 1987 with the ENTIRE front coach was full of Peak Bashers! And before you ask where the Class 43s are, well, they were all scrapped before I was born. And as for those other so called 43s, they'll always be Class 253 and 254 DEMUs to me... Sunday 15 July 2007: Again, mostly experienced via the wonders of preservation, although I am old enough to have seen quite a few 45s on passenger workings (although not old enough to have scored more for haulage). The 45s always seemed to be "life expired" and so whenever one appeared, there was major joy! Top bashes? 40145 from Leeds to Crewe in 2005, D832 on the East Lancs, 44008 chugging away on Peak Rail in 2006, and 45115 from Sheffield to Derby in 1987 with the ENTIRE front coach was full of Peak Bashers! And before you ask where the Class 43s are, well, they were all scrapped before I was born. And as for those other so called 43s, they'll always be Class 253 and 254 DEMUs to me...

45041 at Hammersmith on April 8th 2006, having worked the 1145 from Butterley.

45125 (D123) on arrival at Leicester North on May 13th 2006 with the 0935 from Loughborough Central.

44008 (D8) waits to leave Rowsley South on 23rd September 2006 with the 1332 to Matlock Riverside.

40012, running in it's early 70s guise as 212, arrives at Swanwick Junction on 17th October 1993 with the 1122 Riddings - Hammersmith.

40106 (D306) at Peterborough (Nene Valley) on 3rd March 2007, after working the 1320 from Wansford (via Yarwell).

40122 (D200) at Norwich, whilst working it's last main line trip from Liverpool Street - York. April 16th 1988.

40135 at Ramsbottom on June 12th 1994 with the 1405 Bury Bolton Street - Rawtenstall.

40145 with the ECS for the second half of the

Class 42 D821 at Kidderminster Town on May 8th 1993 with the 1245 to Bridgnorth.

Warship D832 at Irwell Vale on June 12th 1994 whilst in charge of the 1315 Bury Bolton Street - Rawtenstall.

44004 (D4) pulls into Butterley on October 17th 1993 with the 1305 from Hammersmith.

Preservation has helped to take certain classes

45102 arrives at Sheffield on May 3rd 1986 with the 1227 Leeds - Sheffield. This oddball working was part of a diagram that also included a Leicester - Leeds and Sheffield - Nottingham workings.

45104 arrives at Birmingham New Street with the 0918 Newquay - Newcastle on August 1st 1987. The train was actually booked to run via Camp Hill, as New Street was not a scheduled stop.

45107 waits to leave Manchester Piccadilly on 30th August 1987 with the 1525 Harwich Parkeston Quay train. The Peak was booked to work as far as Sheffield.

A remarkable working at Reading on June 28th 1986, as 45108 was pressed into service on the 0825 Weston Super Mare - Paddington. The next leg of the diagram would have taken the Peak to Oxford, but the authorities didn't like the idea of keeping the 45 too far away from the West Country, so it was instead dispatched home on an afternoon train to Taunton.

45112 at Sheffield before working the Sundays-Only 1605 service to St Pancras. The date was 24th August 1986.

45114 at Llandudno on September 20th 1986 with the 1314 to York. There is a book about the Peaks which has a picture of this service at Deganwy with your webmaster indulging in some window hanging...

45115 at Derby on the 1440 Newcastle - Poole on 30th August 1987. Despite being booked for a 47, 45s made regular appearances on this service in 1987.

The first Peak I ever scored was also the last one I had on the main line. 45128 waits to leave Leeds with the 1627 Nottingham DMU service, April 9th 1988.

Sulzers 45132 & 33116 at Ropley on 6th March 1994 with an Alton - Alresford working.

45133 waits to leave Bewdley on May 9th 1992 with the 1245 Bridgnorth - Kidderminster Town.

45135 & 45060 (D100) come to a stop at Darley Dale on October 17th 1993 with the 1625 from Matlock Riverside.

46010 leaves a rain soaked Llangollen with the 1235 to Carrog on October 8th 2005.

46035 (D172) at Bury Bolton Street with the 1015 to Rawtenstall on June 12th 1994.

46045 (D182) runs through Swanwick Junction heading towards Riddings on April 9th 2005.

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]]> Sun Jul 15 2007 Class 37s http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1337804.html My favourite class - noisy, major Eastern Region links, and a class that after I'd had my third one for haulage, didn't think I'd see much more of as most were NB...Top bash? Too many to mention. Many of the workings below, including 37278 & 37101 making an incredible noise on the climb out of Ironbridge in 1990, 37406 & 37401 from Barnt Green to Birmingham in 2005, 37092, 158 & 197 out of Padd in 93, the list goes on and on... Friday 20 July 2007: My favourite class - noisy, major Eastern Region links, and a class that after I'd had my third one for haulage, didn't think I'd see much more of as most were NB...Top bash? Too many to mention. Many of the workings below, including 37278 & 37101 making an incredible noise on the climb out of Ironbridge in 1990, 37406 & 37401 from Barnt Green to Birmingham in 2005, 37092, 158 & 197 out of Padd in 93, the list goes on and on...

37682 leads 'Splitbox' 37025 at Oakworth on June 5th 2009 with the 1330 Oxenhope - Keighley.

37069, partnered with 37602, at Eastleigh on May 23rd 2009 with the

A pair of 37/6s, 37607 and 37604, await departure from Leeds on August 1st 2009 with the

Ex Stratford loco 37038 is seen here on

After a brief run out at Barrow Hill in 2007, 37275 got it's first main use in preservation on 10th May 2008 at the Swanage Railway. After working the 1410 Norden - Harmans Cross, the 37 was then taken back north dead on the rear of the 1425 return working, and is seen here at Corfe Castle.

Birmingham International on September 12th 2009, and 37229 & 37510 have arrived (several hours earlier) with the empty stock for the

Poor light, so I had to stop this one

The

Officially booked for a 66, several people found out

37254 at Tunbridge Wells West on 26th April 2008, having worked it's first train in preservation - the 0955 from Tunbridge Wells West via Groombridge Loop. In front of the loco is the

37682 at Oxenhope on 5th June 2009, after working the 1245 ex-Keighley. This loco was one of the Buxton 37/5s that were booked to work the Cambrians in 1988, this machine worked the route on several occasions.

Once numbered in the 373xx series, 37037 was put back into

37087 & 31108 rest at Oxenhope on June 7th 2008, having worked the 1115 ex-Keighley.

37670 and 37401 clag away from Cheltenham Spa with the

37906 waits at Kidderminster Town on 13th October 2007 with the 1115 to Bewdley.

37602 & 37069 arrive at Birmingham New Street on 23rd May 2009 with the

37229 & 37194 at Preston on December 29th 2006, having earlier worked from Kirkby to Wigan on the

37518 approaches Ferry Meadows on October 6th 2007 with the 1154 Yarwell Junction - Peterborough (Nene Valley).

37606 is led by 37423 as they tackle Westerleigh Junction with the return

37194 & 37229 at Bescot on December 29th 2006, prior to working to Hooton with the

37410 at Cardiff Central on 10th November 2006 with the 1701 to Rhymney.

37075 at Ravenstor having propelled the 1000 from Wirksworth on 14th January 2006.

37603 at Barrow Hill on July 8th 2006 - the loco had just worked sections of the 0930 Barrow Hill - Deepcar - Barrow Hill minitour.

A cracking shot courtesy of Simon Edwards - 37675 and 37670 at Birmingham New Street on 5th June 2004 with the

37152 at Rowsley South on September 23rd 2006 with the 1134 to Matlock Riverside.

37601 waits to leave Folkestone Harbour on October 20th 2007 with the

37198 & 31465 arrive with the ECS of the 0910 Coleford Junction service at Okehampton on October 15th 2006.

37142 at Meldon Quarry, having double headed with 50042 on the 0910 from Okehampton via Coleford on October 15th 2006.

37905 & 47716 at Meldon Quarry on October 15th 2006, just before working the 1150 to Coleford Junction.

37605 & 31452 pull into Keighley on June 18th 2005 with the 1000 from Oxenhope.

37214 arrives at Ingrow West on June 18th 2005 whilst in charge of the 1045 Oxenhope - Keighley.

An absolute monster, this one. 37516 is seen at Marylebone on September 5th 2009. The tail lamp indicates the loco had just arrived on the rear of a minitour from Quainton Road, and was about to work to Worksop with the

37003 & 37223 wait to leave Bradford Interchange on 9th July 1994 with the

37009 & 33050 wait to leave Waterloo on January 19th 1992 with the

During the second summer of sporadic Sprinter replacements by Syphons on the Yarmouth branch, 37012 backs onto an afternoon train at Norwich - 19th August 1995.

37013 at Yarmouth on 27th August 1994, having worked the 1235 Sprinter replacement from Norwich. On occasions, the 37 later used to work a Norwich - Lowestoft turn - but not on this day.

37019 & 37218 were used on a couple of trips from Worcester to Long Marston as part of an open day at Worcester Shrub Hill on 2nd May 1993. They are seen here at Shrub Hill. Copyright (C) Steve Kemp.

One of a series of specials run in connection with the Cambridge Open Day, 37023 & 37245 arrive at Ely on 14th September 1991 with the 0930 Cambridge - Kings Lynn.

37026 & 37178 arrive at Shrewsbury on May 4th 1992 with the 1635 Hereford - Crewe special.

During it's brief status as a preserved loco, 37029 & 37609 run round the stock of the 1415 to Oxenhope at Keighley on 1st August 1998.

One of several Split headcode 37s later rebuilt with a centre headcode, 37031 waits at Arley on May 8th 1993 with the 1415 Kidderminster Town - Bridgnorth.

37272 & 37032 leave Didcot Parkway on 13th April 1991 with the

37040 & 37520 run through Gloucester on August 4th 1991, prior to being attached to the 1706 additional to Westerleigh which they worked back to Gloucester. The event was the Gloucester Open Day.

Before it was 37520, 37520 was 37041. It is seen here on the 0805 Chesterfield - Scarborough at Sheffield on 28th July 1984. Copyright (C) Steve Kemp.

The unusual pairing of 73134 & 37045 at Waterloo on March 15th 1992, having worked the

37046 arrives at Trowbridge on July 4th 1992 with the 1630 Weymouth - Cardiff Central, a regular CF 37/0 working that summer.

37047 backs onto the stock of the 1119 Norwich service at Yarmouth on 6th August 1994.

BR ran a series of specials over the Settle And Carlisle in Xmas 1991, and on December 27th, 2 pairs of Growlers were used. 37049 & 37095 run light into Carlisle before working the return trip to Leeds.

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]]> Fri Jul 20 2007 Class 33s and 35s http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1337291.html The 33s are top of my list, although quite why I didn't leap to Portsmouth Harbour more times in the 80s, I don't know, so quite a few "noughts" were missed for haulage. Being a Southern class, I often saw them knocking about, and as a result, became quite attached to them. The Hymeks have only been experienced on preserved lines, not surprisingly. Top bash? Several good moves vice 50s on the Mule, of which 33002 & 33118 dragging a failed 33116 into Waterloo on a turn in 1991 is possibly top of the pile! Wednesday 25 July 2007: The 33s are top of my list, although quite why I didn't leap to Portsmouth Harbour more times in the 80s, I don't know, so quite a few "noughts" were missed for haulage. Being a Southern class, I often saw them knocking about, and as a result, became quite attached to them. The Hymeks have only been experienced on preserved lines, not surprisingly. Top bash? Several good moves vice 50s on the Mule, of which 33002 & 33118 dragging a failed 33116 into Waterloo on a turn in 1991 is possibly top of the pile!

33052, running as D6570, pulls into Northiam on 3rd May 2009 with the 1350 Bodiam - Tenterden.

33063 & 31271 at Wansford on October 6th 2007, before being tagged onto the back of a Yarwell bound train in order to work the 1039 Yarwell Junction - Peterborough.

33012 is preserved as D6515. On May 10th 2008, the Shredder was used at the Swanage Diesel Gala, and is seen here at Swanage having partnered 73107 on the 1430 from Norden.

33019 is uncoupled from the 1100 Shackerstone - Shenton after completing it's journey on September 15th 2007.

33029 waits at Keighley on 18th June 2005, before heading the 1345 Oxenhope service in tandem with 31452.

Not one of my photos, so can't tell you if this is 33037 arriving with a commuter train at London Bridge, or arriving with the ECS for one! Many thanks to Jerry Glover & Jon Biglowe of the Class 33 Crompton site for this shot taken on 6th August 1981. Copyright (C) Jerry Glover.

33002 at Waterloo on December 29th 1990, after working the 1118 from Salisbury.

33004 waits to leave Salisbury on 10th August 1987 with the 1729 to Waterloo.

A semi-private open day was held at Eastleigh Works on June 17th 1989, admittance to which could only be gained by a charter train which also operated in a loop around the Eastleigh area. 33008 & 33119 are seen inside the works with the 1515 working. There was no

33010 makes an unusual appearance at Kensington Olympia, deputising for a 47 on the 0925 Manchester Piccadilly - Dover Western Docks on July 25th 1986. The following day, the loco visited Exeter from Waterloo because of a shortage of 50s.

33017 on the approach to Shrewsbury with the 1200 Cardiff Central - Crewe on 15th March 1986.

33020 & 33063 wait to leave Brighton with the famous 0914 Penzance working. September 13th 1986.

33021 complete with smiley face at Cardiff Central on January 16th 1988 after working the 0658 from Portsmouth Harbour.

The InterCity Diesel Day saw the outrageous use of a pair of Cromptons along the Midland Mainline. 33022 (nearest the camera) & 33021 wait to leave St Pancras with the first northbound train of the day. May 21st 1989.

33023 arrives at the now closed Addiscombe station on May 15th 1993 with the

Despite being taken off of loco hauled trains to Waterloo at various points in the 80s, the Cromptons continued to appear now and then, even outlasting one of the classes they had been replaced by. Some five years after the 33/0s had become

33027 backs out of Manchester Piccadilly on 29th March 1986 after working in with the 0750 from Swansea.

33028 takes the Up

On December 22nd 1989, the 1252 Waterloo - Yeovil Junction relief was worked by 33030. The Crompton is seen here prior to departure.

33048 at a rainy Southampton on January 2nd 1988 with the 0925 Portsmouth Harbour - Swansea.

33050 & 33051 run round the

33051 at Cliffe Brett Marine on January 6th 1990 with the

33053 & 37068 pull the 1150 extra from Hereford into Crewe on May 4th 1992, as part of a Regional Railways gala day over the route.

33056 arrives at Southampton on January 2nd 1988 with the 1206 Cardiff Central - Portsmouth Harbour.

33057 at Portsmouth Harbour on March 29th 1988 after arrival with the 1010 from Cardiff Central. Two months later, and Sprinterisation took over on this route.

33060 & 33039 leave Salisbury on 30th August 1986 with the 1050 Penzance - Brighton.

The Barry open day (the depot is now home to the Vale Of Glamorgan Railway) saw several shuttles run in connection. 33064 worked a tour from Waterloo, and then did a mini tour to Radyr. The loco is seen arriving with the ECS. August 19th 1990.

33065 & 33063 sit at Tunbridge Wells West on August 5th 2006 after working the 1300 from Tunbridge Wells West via Birchden.

33101 sits at Waterloo after working the 1312 from Salisbury on 15th April 1989.

33102 sits at Clapham Junction on October 28th 1988, prior to pushing the 1600

33103 arrives at Hampton Loade on October 15th 2005 with the 1515 Bridgnorth - Kidderminster Town.

A week after they lost their last passenger diagrams, a pair of 33s were booked to work a railtour from Waterloo to Cranmore. However, all was not well with 33108, and by the time it had arrived at Cranmore, it was somewhat worse for wear, and alternative motive power was found for the return leg. 33106 & a failed 33108 are seen after an entertaining run from Westbury.

Despite it's problems on it's Cranmore visit three weeks previous, 33108 was back out on passenger action on October 27th 1989, seen here at Clapham Junction with the 1640 Waterloo - Salisbury. Even though 33s were supposed to have been removed from this route in May, they continued to appear until the very end of loco hauled trains on

No sooner had the 33s been displaced from the Salisbury workings, and they were back due to a shortage of 50s. 33109 put in an appearance on this line on June 10th 1989, and the

33110 backs onto the 1026 Waterloo - Weymouth at Bournemouth on 31st August 1985.

33111 rests at the buffers at Waterloo on 6th May 1989 after working the 1729 from Salisbury. The Push-Pull workings usually featured the 33 at the country end, but this was a regular

33113 on the Weymouth Quay branch on December 10th 1988, threading it's way slowly towards London with the

33114 powers the 1315 Salisbury - Waterloo out of Whitchurch on May 6th 1989.

Back in 1989, top and tailed locos working in mulitple were a rarity on BR. But the 0839 Yeovil Junction - Waterloo was booked for such a formation. On 17th February 1989, 33115 is seen at Waterloo after

My favourite loco ever, by virtue of the fact that I have bashed it more times than any other, usually without trying! 33116 was therefore a great choice for the last ever booked 33 to work out of Waterloo - the train being the 0940 to Salisbury on May 14th 1989. The loco was at the London end, which I believe was a regular thing for this particular service. The Crompton prepares to leave Surbiton for the (almost) last time...

33117 at Waterloo with the 1410 to Salisbury on 7th April 1989. The headboard had been made by a friend of mine, and was only carried on this train for the first 4 miles of the journey as we bailed at Clapham Junction!

33118 arrives at Basingstoke on July 23rd 1988 with the 1010 Waterloo - Salisbury.

May 7th 1988 saw a

An undated shot of 33201 at Chester, heading eastwards towards Crewe - so it must be 1986 or earlier! Copyright (C) Steve Kemp.

33202 & 33103 at Bishops Lydeard on 8th May 2004 with the 1455 to Minehead.

33203 runs light out of Bristol Temple Meads on August 8th 1987 after working the 0830 Brighton - Cardiff Central.

33206 rests at Salisbury on 14th May 1994 after working from Eastleigh with the

Several locos took part in Arriva Trains Wales'

Class 35 D7017 leaves Stogumber on March 24th 1990 with the 1538 Bishops Lydeard - Minehead.

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]]> Wed Jul 25 2007 Class 31s http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1336978.html My first ever diesel for haulage was 31414, so these locos will always have a special place in my heart. Fantastically noisy, they are derided by many but have survived on the main line for longer than other more "successful" classes. Top bash? 31190 into the Street in 1989, although the "minus three" leap from a winning 31432 onto a winning 31403 at Norwich in 1989 was class. As was the pair of 452 & 454 over the North London line in 2006, gurgling away as the sun rose. Thursday 26 July 2007: My first ever diesel for haulage was 31414, so these locos will always have a special place in my heart. Fantastically noisy, they are derided by many but have survived on the main line for longer than other more "successful" classes. Top bash? 31190 into the Street in 1989, although the "minus three" leap from a winning 31432 onto a winning 31403 at Norwich in 1989 was class. As was the pair of 452 & 454 over the North London line in 2006, gurgling away as the sun rose.

31463 arrives at Quorn & Woodhouse on 7th July 2007 with the 1300 Leicester North - Loughborough Central.

31119 trundles around Embsay on March 26th 2006. The loco was about to couple up to the stock on the left, and work the 1230 to Bolton Abbey.

31452 runs into Oxenhope on 18th June 2005, prior to double heading the 1300 to Keighley with 33029.

31101 & 40145 at Ramsbottom on June 12th 1994 with the 1620 Bury Bolton Street - Rawtenstall.

The 1058 Birmingham New Street - Aberystwyth was booked to feature a departmental loco as far as Shrewsbury during the second half of the summer 1991 timetable. 31102 waits at Wolverhampton on September 7th.

31105 & 31113 after arrival at Birmingham New Street with the 1040 from Yarmouth on 15th September 1990.

31106 at Bristol Temple Meads on 6th August 2004 with the ECS for the Fridays-only 1252 to Brighton. This train was worked in top and tail mode with 31452, allowing the air cons to be worked correctly by the other machine.

31107 & 31105 wait to be attached to the

Not too sure why 31108 got used at the

31113 & 31105 at Birmingham New Street with the 1040 from Yarmouth. September 15th 1990.

31128 top and tails with 31454 at Bath Spa on 6th August 2004 with the 1428 Bristol Temple Meads - Weymouth.

31130 & 31199 arrive at Watford Junction on May 30th 1992 with the

31132 waits to leave Broad Green on October 20th 1990 with the 1707 Liverpool Lime Street - Preston.

31134 at Manchester Victoria on April 25th 1992, having arrived with the 1125 from Barrow. A pair of 26s had been booked to work this trip, as part of a series of special workings/loco fixes around the Manchester area on this date, but had failed on the outward run.

31135 waits to leave Yarmouth on May 23rd 1992 with the 1034 to Birmingham New Street.

31145 approaches Boston whilst powering the 0939 Derby - Skegness. July 30th 1988.

31146 & 31147 at Shrewsbury on May 16th 1992 after arriving with the 0925 Birmingham New Street - Pwllheli.

31147 & 31146 run round the 0925 Birmingham New Street - Pwllheli at Shrewsbury on May 16th 1992. This service was worked for the whole timetable by a fleet of three radio-fitted Bescot 31s.

31154 storms through Sleaford on 25th August 1990 with the 1038 Skegness - Sheffield.

A series of extras were run by Regional Railways between Hereford and Crewe on May 30th 1993, and there were a series of

31162 & 46045 are prepared for a run to Riddings on July 24th 1994 at Butterley on the Midland Railway Centre.

31165 at Norwich with an ECS working to Yarmouth on 11th July 1992. The Brian & Stock returned to Norwich with the 1034 Yarmouth - Birmingham New Street.

31166 & 31461 at Nuneaton on 22nd September 1990 with the 1040 Yarmouth - Birmingham New Street.

31178 leaves Boston on June 15th 1991 with the 1445 Skegness - Leeds.

31181 & 31219 at Yarmouth on 8th September 1990 after working the 0800 from Liverpool Lime Street forward from Norwich.

31185 & Two Tone 31155 at Shrewsbury with the empty stock for the 1720 relief to Wolverhampton on May 30th 1993.

31186 & 31224 reverse out of Norwich on 21st July 1990 after working the 1040 Yarmouth - Birmingham. Despite being only booked for a single 31, pairs of 31s started to appear on this working as the timetable progressed.

31190 waits to leave Colchester on 19th March 1990 with the 1442 to Liverpool Street, a regular 31 diagram at that time due to engineering works.

31196 on the 1635 Leeds - Sheffield at Leeds on 12th May 1984. Copyright (C) Steve Kemp.

31199 & 31130 at Clapham Junction, heading home with the

31200 & 31145 leave Basingstoke on May 14th 1994 with the

31205 & 31294 rest at Derby after top and tailing the

31209 waits to leave Yarmouth on 21st July 1990 with the 1304 to Liverpool Street.

31217 & 31128 were two of four locos employed on shuttles run around now closed/disused lines in the West Midlands in connection with the Bescot Open Day. The last of three shuttles passes Bescot on August 30th 1992.

31219 & 31181 leave Yarmouth with the 1607 to Liverpool Lime Street on 8th September 1990.

31224 & 31186 at Yarmouth with the 0800 from Liverpool Lime Street - 21st July 1990.

31233 arrives at Bewdley on 8th May 1993 with the 1305 Highley - Kidderminster Town.

31242 on the

31250 & 31549 at Scarborough on 3rd September 1994 with the

31255 & 31270 were in use at Castle Hedingham on both passenger & freight workings on March 23rd 2003. Having earlier worked a passenger train with the stock on the left of this photo, 255 runs through the station with a demonstration freight duty.

31263 runs round the stock of the 1005 Liverpool Street service at Yarmouth on 16th June 1990.

31270 waits to leave Darley Dale on May 12th 2007 with the 0958 to Matlock Riverside.

31271 & 31289 arrive at Yarmouth with the 0937 from Leeds on September 8th 1990.

31272 & 31306 wait to work a special to Crewe at Shrewsbury on August 21st 1994.

31276 & 31271 at a sunny Sheffield on July 9th 1994 with the

31285 & 31242 at Derby on 20th February 1994, about to work the

31289 & 31271 sit at Norwich on 8th September 1990, prior to working the 0752 Birmingham New Street - Yarmouth.

31290 & 31219 take over the

31294, coupled up to 31205, is seen at Derby on May 22nd 1994 after having worked parts of the

31301 & 31327 run into Doncaster in order to work the final leg of the

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]]> Thu Jul 26 2007 Classes 24 to 28 http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1336467.html Most of these have been had on preserved lines only - for the 24s and 25s, I was too young to have had any on the main line in the 80s, and the 26s and 27s by being Scottish, were "too far away". Top bashes? 24081 on the Llangollen in 1993, 25322 on the "Rat Requiem", 25059 & 26010 on the Worth Valley in 2007, and 27007 on a rescue job on the Mid Hants in 1993 after a 50 failed near Ropley shed on a train to Alresford, and the 27, not booked to work that day, was wheeled out to drag the Vac south! Saturday 28 July 2007: Most of these have been had on preserved lines only - for the 24s and 25s, I was too young to have had any on the main line in the 80s, and the 26s and 27s by being Scottish, were "too far away". Top bashes? 24081 on the Llangollen in 1993, 25322 on the "Rat Requiem", 25059 & 26010 on the Worth Valley in 2007, and 27007 on a rescue job on the Mid Hants in 1993 after a 50 failed near Ropley shed on a train to Alresford, and the 27, not booked to work that day, was wheeled out to drag the Vac south!

25035 (D5185) runs through Rothley on 7th July 2007 with the 1230 Loughborough Central - Rothley Brook.

24081 was the special visitor at the Vale Of Glamorgan August Bank Holiday 2007 Diesel Gala. It waits to leave Barry Island on the 25th with the 1155 to Hood Road.

26007 arrives at Corfe Castle on 9th May 2009 with the 1310 Norden - Swanage.

Numbered as both 27050 and 27106 during it's TOPS era BR career, D5394 was restored as simply 5394 during 2009. It is seen here coming off the shed at Boness before working a train to Birkhill on August 29th 2009.

27056 (D5401) arrives at Rothley with the 1257 Rothley Brook - Loughborough Central on 7th July 2007.

The one time 25262, and also the one time 25901, D7612 approaches Oakworth on 7th June 2008 with the 1200 Keighley - Oxenhope.

25265 runs round it's stock at Leicester North after working the 1045 from Loughborough Central - May 13th 2006.

25173 (D7523) arrives at Stogumber on August 19th 2006 with the 1125 Bishops Lydeard - Minehead, a regular

24054 (D5054) & 37214 after arrival at Oxenhope on 18th June 2005 with the 1130 from Keighley.

25057 (D5207) at Sheringham on October 3rd 1992. The loco was about to work the 1240 to Holt with 27066.

Rat Action at Oakworth on June 16th 2007 as 25059 arrives with the 1245 Keighley - Oxenhope.

During part of 1986, the risk of lineside fires on the northern section of the Mid Hants Railway forced the railway to use their resident Rat as far as Medstead before handing over to steam haulage. 25067, otherwise known as D5217, backs onto the 1235 to Alresford at Alton on June 11th.

25185 (D7535) at Paignton on May 29th 1994, with 47004, before working the 1520 to Kingswear.

25278 (D7628) brings empty stock into Goathland on April 27th 1991, prior to working the 1625 to Grosmont.

25279 (D7629) runs through Glyndyfrdwy before working a train to Llangollen on May 15th 1994.

25283 (D7633) at Bewdley on 9th May 1992, about to work the 1250 to Highley.

25309 (D7659) at Keighley on 1st August 1998, before working the 1035 to Oxenhope.

25313 waits to leave Berwyn on October 24th 1993 with the 1145 Glyndyfrdwy - Llangollen.

25321 (D7671) leaves Butterley on a glorious October 17th 1993 with the 1245 to Riddings.

Before the ban on preserved diesels on the mainline was lifted, this was the last planned use of a Rat on a passenger train on BR. 25322 (D7672) waits to leave Leeds, bound for Holyhead, with the

26010 (D5310) & 26024 at Oxenhope on June 16th 2007, after powering the 1545 from Keighley.

26011 & 26036 come off the Blackburn line at Bolton on August 8th 1992 with the

26024 rolls into Keighley on June 16th 2007 with the 1035 ex-Oxenhope.

26036, paired with 26011, run light engine out of Manchester Victoria after hauling the

When 50031 failed at Ropley on April 24th 1993 with an Alton - Alresford train, 27007 (D5353) was called upon to assist. This was a bit of a bonus as the loco was not planned to be used during the gala. The McRat rolls into Ropley.

27059 (D5410) is stabled at Arley, having earlier worked the 1610 from Bewdley. May 9th 1992.

27066 (D5386) leaves Sheringham on October 3rd 1992 with the 1410 to Holt.

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]]> Sat Jul 28 2007 Class 20s http://jasonshergold33.fotopic.net/c1336167.html The class that provide the name for this site, the number I've had for haulage is rather small, by virtue of the fact that I used to live in London and 20s were never that common there! Still, cracking locos that do have an East London connnection (it was where the first few were based) - top bash? Whilst all of my trips on 20s have been good fun, 20098 & 20048 from Rothley to Loughborough Central in January 2006 was a good one - a 1960s gala (as opposed to a diesel gala), and hence, I was at the front of a half empty train with two noisy Bombs up front. Sunday 29 July 2007: The class that provide the name for this site, the number I've had for haulage is rather small, by virtue of the fact that I used to live in London and 20s were never that common there! Still, cracking locos that do have an East London connnection (it was where the first few were based) - top bash? Whilst all of my trips on 20s have been good fun, 20098 & 20048 from Rothley to Loughborough Central in January 2006 was a good one - a 1960s gala (as opposed to a diesel gala), and hence, I was at the front of a half empty train with two noisy Bombs up front.

20310 & 20307 wait to depart Banbury with the

20069, running as D8069, at Dereham on March 16th 2008 after working the 1215 from Wymondham Abbey.

20110 is pictured at Keighley on June 7th 2008, having partnered 20087 on the 1415 from Oxenhope.

One of the

20227 & 20188 (D8188) arrive at Kidderminster Town on October 13th 2007 with the 1025 from Bewdley.

20189 runs out of Bolton Abbey on March 26th 2006, having worked the 1130 from Embsay.

20905 rests at Heywood after a cracking run on the 0946 from Rawtenstall - January 21st 2006.

20904 & 20901 about to work the 1120 Bury Bolton Street - Rawtenstall, seen running through the station, on January 21st 2006.

20901 & 20904 back onto the stock of the 1120 to Rawtenstall at Bury Bolton Street on 21st January 2006.

20001 rolls into Butterley on 9th April 2005 with a train bound for Hammersmith.

20004 & 20047 on arrival at Cambridge with the 1745 Cambridge - Fen Drayton - Cambridge special on September 29th 1990.

20007 & 20032 at Weymouth having arrived with the

20197 & 20013 are seen at the head of the 0718 Derby - Skegness at Boston on August 20th 1988.

My attempts to scan my own phot of 20016 haven't proved too successful for various technical reasons, so here's a photo courtesy of Steve Kemp, which does at least add some variety to this collection. 20016 & 20077 wait to leave Skegness on 18th September 1982 with the 1232 to Leicester. Copyright (C) Steve Kemp.

20020 (D8020) & 20031 at Oxenhope on June 16th 2007, before working a train to Keighley.

20031 (D8031) & 75078 at Keighley on 1st August 1998, having earlier worked the 1030 from Oxenhope.

20032 & 20007 wait to leave Weymouth, bound for Eastleigh and Basingstoke, with the

20047 & 20004 at Cambridge with the 1230 extra to Fen Drayton, ran as part of the West Anglia gala day. September 29th 1990.

20048, still in it's old RFS livery, runs into Matlock Riverside prior to working the 1450 to Darley Dale on 17th October 1993.

20057 at Manchester Victoria on October 20th 1990. The Chopper was working with 20140 & 31461 on the 1248 to Barrow,

20059 & 20151 at Prestatyn on the 1140 Crewe - Llandudno

20071 & 20135 wait to leave Skegness with the 1440 to Derby on 13th July 1991.

20075 & 20187 at Derby waiting to head to Crewe with the

20081 & 20016 at the now partly demolished old station at Morecambe on 15th February 1992, with the

The oddball pairing of D8087 + 832 arrive at Summerseat on July 14th 2001 with the 1115 Rawtenstall - Bury Bolton Street.

20090 & 20120 stand at the now-closed Smethwick West with the

20096 & 20075 arrive at Worksop with the ECS for the

One of several pictures courtesy of Steve Kemp on this site. Here, 20097 & 20176 arrive at Chesterfield with the 1015 Skegness - Sheffield on July 30th 1988. Copyright (C) Steve Kemp.

20098 (D8098) rolls into Loughborough Central on July 3rd 1994 with the 1030 from Leicester North.

20117 & 20121 wait to leave Crewe with the 1640 Llandudno - Derby

20118 & 20131 at Bristol Parkway on 2nd May 1994, en route from Exeter to Derby with the

20121 at Waterloo, after working with 73001 and 20117 from Yeovil on the

20128 & 20131 at Cambridge on the

A picture from Brian Daniels here, the original has been manipulated to show 20130 in the centre, sandwiched between 20106 & a dead 86260 at Rugby on 1st September 1985. The train is the 1000 Euston - Wolverhampton, according to the Timewarp Website. Copyright (C) Brian Daniels.

20131 & 20128 arrive at Cambridge on October 8th 1994 with the

20132, also known as D8132, at Swanwick Junction on 20th May 2007 with the 1530 to Hammersmith.

20135 & 20071 arrive at Boston with the 0957 Sheffield - Skegness on 13th July 1991.

20137 AKA D8137 at Winchcombe on 13th March 2004 after working the 1305 from Toddington.

20140 & 20021 bring the delayed

20142 (D8142) arrives at Glyndyfrdwy on October 8th 2005 with the 1520 Carrog - Llangollen.

20143 & 20130 arrive at Walsall on 6th May 1990 with the first of three

20145 & 20228 arrive at Wellingborough with the 1555

20059 & 20151 at Prestatyn with the 1140 Crewe - Llandudno. August 11th 1991.

20154 & 20132 (running as D8154 & D8132) arrive at Butterley on 20th May 2007 with the 1230 Hammersmith - Swanwick Junction (via Riddings).

RFS liveried 20166 waits to leave Kingswear on 29th May 1994 with the 1415 to Paignton.

20168 & 20059 at Manchester Victoria on 25th April 1992 with the 1248 to Barrow.

20169 & 20210 wait to leave Gloucester with the 1Z62 to Kemble on 4th August 1991.

20170 & 20075 back onto a Gloucester Open Day special to Sharpness on 4th August 1991. The 20s worked the return run back to Gloucester.

20187 & 20075 arrive at Crewe prior to working the

20188 (D8188) in it's rather strange black livery, prepares to double head the 1215 Bury Bolton Street - Rawtenstall out of Bury with 20031 on 12th June 1994.

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