Rail Photography by James Welham

October 2009

Thu Oct 1 2009

Thursday 1 October 2009: October 2009

8th October - First Capital Connect Class 365s, No.365532 and 365507 pass through the Cambridgeshire countryside near Offord Cluny forming 1P68, the 09:44 Peterborough - London Kings Cross service. " /> 8th October - First Capital Connect Class 317s, No.317345 and 317347 pass through the Cambridgeshire countryside near Offord Cluny forming 2P63, the 10:15 Peterborough - London Kings Cross 'All stations' service." /> 8th October - First Capital Connect Class 321s, No.321401 and 321406 pass through the Cambridgeshire countryside near Offord Cluny forming 3P81, the 11:21 Peterborough Eastfield - London Kings Cross 'driver familiarisation' run. The 321s are currently utilised on Tuesdays and Thursdays with Hitchin based drivers operating them, running from Kings Cross - Peterborough - Kings Cross - Royston - Kings Cross." /> 8th October - Freight services along the lower end of the ECML are limited to a handful of daylight services. Illustrated here is one such train which runs occasionally; 6E52, the 03:48 service from Sheerness to Hitchin, consisting of 16 empty 'MBA Monster Box' wagons that are to be loaded with scrap before proceeding back to Sheerness to unload. Due to lack of crossover facilities at Hitchin, this service travels to Peterborough Yard to run round before heading South again to Hitchin, adding an extra 84 miles to the journey. DBSchenker's Class 66, No.66003 leads the train." /> 8th October - One of DBSchenker's 'One-off' liveries is currently worn by Class 60, No.60074 which is promoting the Teenage Cancer Trust. The '60' is pictured approaching Bainton Level Crossing near Stamford running 15' minutes ahead of schedule leading 6M84, the 14:05 empty Cemex hopper service from Ely Potter Group - Peak Forest. " /> 12th October - A friendly wave from the driver of National Express East Anglia's 09:00 service from Norwich to London Liverpool Street hurries South through Kelvedon with Ex-One liveried Class 90, No.90004 in charge. " /> 12th October - Freightliner liveried Class 66s, No.66517, 587 and 543 pass through the Essex Countryside near Kelvedon forming 0C81, a Mondays Only Ipswich - Temple Mills move, the locos will haul 4M81, 4M88 & 4M87 from Temple Mills to Willesden whilst major engineering works continue on the North London Line that prohibits electric traction." /> 12th October - With the onset of Autumn, the DRS water cannon trains have commenced. This is 3S60, the inaugural 09:21 from Stowmarket - Shenfield powered by DRS liveried Class 66s, No.66426 and 66420. This is the first year where DRS Class 66s have featured in the Anglian region." /> 15th October - Still gleaming from their overhaul at Eastleigh, DRS Class 20s, No.20304 and 20305 'Gresty Bridge' in Compass livery pass Hatfield Peverel with the day's 3S60 (09:21) Stowmarket - Shenfield Rail Head Tratment Train." /> 17th October - Electric Traction Ltd (ETL) has recently outshopped two Class 86s which are passed for 110mph running with the intention of 'spot-hiring' the machines to major Train Operating Companies. Class 86, No.86701 'Orion' (Ex 86205) is pictured passing Tallington leading a special charter for GBRf employees. The train ran as 1Z30, the 08:00 Newcastle - London Kings Cross. Classmate No.86702 'Cassiopeia' (Ex 86260) is tagged on the rear for the journey back North." /> 20th October - All over black liveried Class 31, No.31459 'CERBERUS' arrives into Welwyn Garden City Carriage Sidings leading 1Q06, the 08:19 Ferme Park to Bounds Green Network Rail test train. At this point the train was running in excess of 45 minutes early resulting in this rare appearance of locos in an otherwise EMU dominated sidings." /> 20th October - British American Railway Services liveried Class 31, No.31452 is seen stabled on '3 Road' in Welwyn Garden City Carriage Sidings whilst forming 1Q06, the 08:19 Ferme Park to Bounds Green Network Rail test train. On this occasion the train was running in excess of 45 minutes early at this point. Flanking the test train are First Capital Connect units, No.317338 and No.365538." />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

September 2009

Tue Sep 1 2009

Tuesday 1 September 2009: The Battlefield Line's Autumn Diesel Gala, Frisby freight and the latest freight action in the Peterborough area feature...

3rd September - Advenza now operate four class 66s which were converted from Ex-DRS machines, illustrated here is Class 66, No.66841 carrying the corporate Advenza Blue colour scheme leading 6Z61, an 11:39 Hitchin Up Yard - Peak Forest empty stone working which is approaching Bainton Green AHB just after diverging away form the ECML at Helpston Junction." /> 3rd September - Ex-Great Eastern liveried Class 321, No.321313 is pictured stabled on Peterborough Nene Carriage Sidings after being cancelled at Peterborough whilst working 5Z10 (09:15) Ilford EMUD - Doncaster West Yard for refurbishment. Strong winds resulted in a tree falling onto Overhead Wires in the Stoke Junction area causing massive delays to services." /> 5th September - DBSchenker's Class 92, No.92026 'Britten' passes Hatfield Peverel leading 1Z93, the 11:59 Dollands Moor - Harwich International charter, operated by UK Railtours. The train had originated from Hook and ran via Dollands Moor, Temple Mills and Ipswich to reach it's final destination of Harwich International." /> 5th September - DBSchenker's Class 59, No.59203 'Vale of Pickering' tails the uniformed rake of British Rail 'Chocolate and Cream' liveried Mk1 stock through Hatfield Peverel on route to Ipswich where the 59 would take over for the short run to Harwich International." /> 15th September - BR Blue 'Skinhead' Class 31, No.31106 is pictured stabled in Crescent Wharf Sidings, Peterborough with a Network Rail test train, DBS 9714 is on the rear of the three coach consist." /> 18th September - Coal Sectored Class 31, No.31130 Calder Hall Power Station powers away from Shackerstone bang on time leading the 14:15 service to Shenton during the Battlefield Line's Autumn Diesel Gala. BR Large Logo liveried Class 73, No.73114 tails the service. Of note is the 'Visions International Entertainment Ltd' headboard, the company sponsoring the event." /> 19th September - The Class 56 Group owned Railfreight Red Stripe liveried Class 56, No.56040 'Oystermouth' is pictured approaching Market Bosworth station on the Battlefield Line leading the 10:00 service from Shackerstone to Shenton during their Autumn Diesel Gala. Dutch liveried Class 33, No.33019 'Griffon' is tucked inside providing more horses." /> 19th September - Non-standard BR liveried Class 31, No.31101 and Classmate 31130 power away from a 10mph Speed restriction just North of Market Bosworth leading the 12:00 service from Shackerstone to Shenton." /> 19th September - Petroleum Sectored Celebrity Class 60, No.60054 'Charles Babbage' powers away from Stenson Junction having just joined the freight only line to Sheet Stores Junction leading 6E41, the 10:13 Westerleigh - Lindsey service. On this occasion the train consists of 27 empty bogie tanks and is running in the region of 25 minutes behind schedule." /> 19th September - The gates go down again at Lolham!" /> 19th September - The pantograph of the Class 91 propelling the last Saturday night service from Leeds to London Kings Cross service archs several times passing Lolham level crossing on the approach to Peterborough." /> 20th September - A weekend worksite in the Werrington Junction area, just North of Peterborough resulted in several trains returning back to Whitemoor on Sunday morning with spoil from the track replacement, one such working is pictured here passing Australia Farm UWC, March with 66165 leading the consist." /> 20th September - EWS liveried Class 66, No.66157 approaches Australia Farm UWC leading 6G01, the 09:30 Boston - Whitemoor engineers train consisting of two slinger sets. On the rear of the train is EWS Classmate 66039. The train is slowing for the signal protecting the junction which leads to Whitemoor." /> 20th September - Having dropped off their load at Whitemoor, EWS liveried Class 66s, No.66157 and 66039 pass Whitemoor Drove heading back to Peterborough." /> 20th September - West Coast Railway Company liveried Class 47, No.47787 'Windsor Castle' powers past Whitemoor Drove leading 5Z47, the Norwich - Carnforth ECS movement following a weekend charter from Norwich to Carlisle. Classmate 47826 is dead on the rear of the service. " /> 23rd September - With the onset of the Annual 'Sandite Season', the Class 60s are seeing a slight revival so DBSchenker's fleet of Class 66s can be utilised on their Water Cannon services. Denamed Class 60, No.60091, one of the 13 remaining Class 60s in service at the time of the photograph is pictured passing Whittlesea leading 6E88, the 13:35 loaded sand service from Middleton Towers near Kings Lynn to Peterborough Yard." /> 24th September - DBSchenker Class 60, No.60091 shatters the peace passing the quiet village of Bainton near Stamford leading 6L76, the 07:05 loaded stone service from Stud Farm to Bury St Edmunds, consisting of 10 'JNA' and 4 'MEA' wagons. It's passing the camera in the region of 150 minutes behind schedule. Note the coal sector markings by the cab door, a feature the loco retains from when it was brand new!" /> 25th September - Freightliner liveried Class 66, No.66612 'Forth Raider' is illustrated approaching Frisby On The Wreake just outside Melton Mowbray leading 6L45, the 07:35 Earles - West Thurrock loaded cement service. On this occassion the train is running in the region of 50 minutes behind schedule and consisting entirely of 4-wheel 'PCA' wagons." /> 25th September - DBSchenker Class 60, No.60091 is pictured approaching Frisby On The Wreake leading 6L76, the 07:05 loaded stone service from Stud Farm to Bury St Edmunds. It's passing the camera in the region of 85 minutes behind schedule, which is an improvement to the previous day's running of the same service!" /> 25th September - Mainline Blue liveried Class 60, No.60011 makes some noise passing through Frisby On The Wreake leading the 'On-Time' 6V92 (10:18) Corby to Margam empty steel service which consists of 'BLA/BZA' wagons." /> 27th September - DBSchenker Class 66, No.66008 approaches Beggars Bridge near Turves leading 7G06, the 08:30 Holloway South Junction - Whitemoor engineers service, Class 66, No.66107 tails the short formation." /> 27th September - With the 20 foot river in the foreground, DBSchenker Class 66, No.66097 approaches Beggars Bridge near Turves leading 6G08, the 10:30 Werrington Junction - Whitemoor engineers train. The consist is 19 'JNA' wagons loaded with spoil." /> 27th September - 66097 is reflected in the calm waters of the 20 foot river leading a rake of JNA wagons towards Whitemoor." />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

August 2009

Sat Aug 1 2009

Saturday 1 August 2009: A busy month with visits to Toton and Barnetby, Lincolnshire for Class 56 action, Branston for Colas 47 action, the Lymington Slammer, a brief visit to Oxfordshire and the latest ECML action from Welwyn Garden City, Grantham and Doncaster.

3rd August - Class 82 DVT, No.82207 is pictured leading 1A37, the 16:05 Leeds - London Kings Cross service South on the approach to Welwyn Garden City." /> 3rd August - First Capital Connect liveried Class 321, No.321401 and Ex-Silverlink liveried 321402 are pictured heading South through Welwyn Garden City forming 1P85, the 18:04 service from Huntingdon to London Kings Cross." /> 4th August - Mainline Blue liveried Class 60, No.60011 is pictured throbbing away from Welwyn Garden City Up Yard leading a heavily delayed 6M78, the (11:39) Hitchin Up Yard - Peak Forest empty stone." /> 15th August - This is the view from Toton Bank, DBSchenker's main Traction Maintenance depot in the UK is home to dozens of stored locomotives including a large proportion of the Class 60 fleet. Stored amongst other class members are 60006 in Corus Silver livery and 60081 in GWR Green, now devoid of it's 'Isambard Kingdom Brunel' nameplates, the latter loco being stored in April 2005 at Immingham Depot after a major engine failure." /> 15th August - Freightliner Class 66, No.66545 is pictured in the last of the evening light leading the HOBC (High Output Ballast Cleaner) North towards Lolham level crossing, just to the North of Peterborough on the ECML. The train can regularly be seen operating into and out of Whitemoor to various destinations over weekends, on this occasion the train is running as 6Y50 (18:47) Whitemoor - Loughborough; diverted from its more obvious route via Melton Mowbray due to other weekend engineering works taking place. Classmate 66565 is at the rear of the massive consist." /> 16th August - Railfreight Construction Sectored Class 31, No.31271 'Stratford TMD 1840 - 2001' powers towards Mill Lane road bridge in Castor leading the final service of the day on the Nene Valley Railway, the 17:30 service from Peterborough (NVR) to Wansford which is formed of a rake of 5 British Rail 'Blood and Custard' Mk1 coaches." /> 18th August - DBSchenker Class 66, No.66162 passes through the flat Fenlands near March leading 4L45, the 09:40 Wakefield Europort - Felixstowe Intermodal service. Until recently this service ran via the ECML but due to the ongoing engineering works on the North London Line it has temporarily reverted to the 'Cross Country' route via Ely to reach the Suffolk Port." /> 18th August - DBSchenker Class 66, No.66199 seems to be making hard work of it's small consist of 12 empty 'PNA' Plasmor wagons, this is 4E25, the 11:13 Bow - Heck empties; another diverted service affected by the ongoing engineering works on the North London Line. The train travels via the Lea Valley and West Anglian lines to Cambridge and then onto Peterborough via the Cross Country route to pick up the usual path to Heck." /> 19th August - Hanson Traction's garish purple liveried Class 56, No.56312 'Artemis' trundles towards Great Hale Drove Number 1 AHB in the Lincolnshire village of Heckington leading 6Z56, the 06:15 Washwood Heath - Boston Docks 'Colas Rail' steel service which consists of 20 loaded Internationally registered wagons, as the service reaches journies end it is running to schedule having travelled via Tamworth, Nottingham and Sleaford. To the right of the picture is the 14th Century St Andrew's Church." /> 19th August - DBSchenker Class 66, No.66248 applies some power away from Brocklesby approaching Ulceby Chase UWC leading 6C76, the 12:14 Immingham - Scunthorpe loaded coal train consisting of 18 'HTA' hoppers." /> 19th August - Passing the Singleton Birch Landfill Site and Quarry in Melton Ross is DBSchenker Class 66, No.66021 leading 6K24, the 13:16 Santon - Immingham service consisting of 24 empty 'JUA'JTA' Iron Ore Tippler wagons." /> 19th August - Freightliner Heavy Haul's Class 66, No.66557 approaches Knabbs Bridge in New Barnetby leading 6R35, the 15:10 Immingham - Drax Power Station service consisting of 12 loaded hoppers containing Petroleum coke." /> 19th August - DBSchenker liveried Class 66, No.66152 hurries West through New Barnetby leading 6C79, the early running 16:41 Immingham - Scunthorpe loaded 'HTA' coal hoppers." /> 20th August - Hanson Traction's garish purple liveried Class 56, No.56312 'Artemis' applies some power away from a short stop at Stenson Junction awaiting a path onto the Derby - Birmingham Mainline, the train is 6Z57, the 07:00 Boston - Washwood Heath 'Colas Rail' loaded steel service which consists of 20 Internationally registered wagons." /> 20th August - Elford reverberates once again to the sound of a 'Grid' hard at work, this is Hanson Traction's Class 56, No.56312 'Artemis' leading 6Z57, the 07:00 Boston - Washwood Heath 'Colas Rail' loaded steel service which consists of 20 Internationally registered wagons." /> 20th August - Arriva Cross Country's 06:32 service from Dundee to Plymouth passes the well known spot in Branston near Burton-On-Trent in the capable hands of Class 43s, No.43384 and 43321 on the rear." /> 20th August - DBSchenker's Class 66, No.66158 passes Branston near Burton-On-Trent leading 6E11, the 09:28 Rugby - Immingham empty 'MEA' coal hoppers." /> 20th August - Colas Rail liveried Class 47, No.47739 'Robin of Templecombe' powers away from Burton Down Loop leading 6Z48, the 13:05 Burton-On-Trent - Dollands Moor empty steel service, the train on this occasion is departing Burton on schedule and consists of 9 Internationally registered wagons." /> 20th August - DBSchenker's Class 66, No.66188 approaches Newark North Gate leading the heavily delayed 6E82 (12:16) Rectory Junction - Lindsey empty tanks, this working which operates every weekday (and Sautrday if required) is scheduled to pass Newark Northgate at 14:19, however on this occasion the service is approaching the station at 16:02 putting the train in the region of 100 minutes behind schedule." /> 20th August - National Express East Coast liveried Class 43, No.43306 leads a uniform rake of Mk3 stock into Newark North Gate station for the scheduled stop at 16:29 forming 1D38, the 15:10 service from London Kings Cross to Leeds." /> 20th August - Ex-DRS liveried Class 66, No.66401 (and classmate 66402) currently find work with GBRf, on this occasion 66401 is approaching Newark North Gate Station passing Beacon Hill leading 4E19, the 11:31 Mountfield - West Burton Power Station empty Gypsum service. Nearing Newark North Gate at 17:04, the service is in the region of 35 minutes ahead of schedule." /> 20th August - DBSchenker Class 92, No.92003 'Beethoven' rushes North through the outskirts of Grantham leading 4E32, the 11:55 Dollands Moor - Scunthorpe empty steel service. On this occasion the train is running in the region of 20 minutes behind schedule having been delayed in the Hitchin area, and for added interest contains Class 66s, No.66034 and 66126 dead in train." /> 21st August - Complete with commemorative headboard, South West Trains Class 421, No.1498 'Farringford' stands at Lymington Pier having arrived on 1J19, the 10:29 service from Brockenhurst. These units are scheduled to finish on this line in May 2010, replaced by newer traction." /> 21st August - Lymington Pier station is very well kept, this is the scene at 12:40 as No.1498 has just arrived forming the 12:29 departure from Brockenhurst. The unit has a 5 minute scheduled turnaround time at either end so will work the 12:44 service back to Brockenhurst calling only at Lymington Town on route." /> 22nd August - Freightliner liveried Class 66, No.66557 meanders through Doncaster station leading 6B52, the 06:00 Redcar - West Burton Power Station loaded coal service." /> 22nd August - Passengers on the 09:42 service from Hatfield and Stainforth to Lincoln Central are treated to Northern Rail liveried Class 142, No.142014 for the journey which takes 2 hours and 14 minutes from origin to destination." /> 22nd August - Grand Central's first Class 180 'Adelante' unit, No.180112 passes Doncaster heading South to the capital forming 1A61 (09:29) Sunderland - London Kings Cross. Grand Central are expected to lease a further four of these units taking the total to five for the introduction of services from Bradford to London Kings Cross which is expected to be introduced by May 2010." /> 23rd August - D306 (40106) 'Atlantic Conveyor' whistles past the site of the former station at Castor on the Nene Valley Railway leading the 10:15 service from Wansford to Peterborough NVR via Yarwell. The consist is a rake of 5 'Blood and Custard' Mk1 coaches." /> 23rd August - Sporting the West Coast Railway Company's house colours is Class 47, No.47786 'Roy Castle OBE' which is illustrated heading West through the outskirts of March leading 5Z63, the 11:38 Norwich - Carnforth Steam town ECS following a NENTA charter to Cardiff Central the day before. Classmate 47760 tails the train which is passing the camera on schedule." /> 27th August - National Express liveried powercar, No.43239 leads a uniformed rake of Mk3 stock South through Welwyn Garden City forming a Glasgow Central - London Kings Cross service." /> 27th August - Grand Central's 12:30 service from Sunderland to London Kings Cross hurries South through Welwyn Garden City running 13 minutes behind schedule and with Class 43s, Nos.43084 and 43123 providing the power." /> 29th August - The uniquely liveried Class 67, No.67029 'Royal Diamond' heads South through Haddenham & Thame Parkway, Oxfordshire leading 1Z67, the 07:35 Warrington Bank Quay - Wembley Stadium, an additional 'Ruggex' consisting of a uniformed rake of eleven Ex-Virgin Mk2 stock. the train was conveying Warrington Wolves fans to the 'Challenge Cup' which was being held at the London venue. On the rear is classmate 67017 'Arrow'." /> 29th August - West Coast Railway Company's Class 37, No.37706 shatters the peace at Tackley station in Oxfordshire whilst entrusted to a single Mk1 coach forming a Southall - Tyseley move." /> 29th August - An Arriva Cross Country Class 220 Voyager hurries through the picturesque station of Heyford on the Oxford - Banbury mainline." />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

July 2009

Wed Jul 1 2009

Wednesday 1 July 2009: Photos contained in this collection are mainly from the Peterborough area - Including a refurbished Virgin Mk3 stock move, Weekend charters, the Grand Central liveried Class 180, latest action on the NVR and various freight services...

11th July - The Nene Valley Railway have hired in D9009 from the Deltic Preservation Society for the Summer season. Having arrived at Wansford shed on 23rd June, the 'Deltic' is booked to haul weekend services, driver experience specials and feature in the forthcoming Diesel Gala during early October. This is 'Alycidon' passing the former station at Castor leading the 15:00 service from Peterborough (NVR) - Wansford in typical British Summertime weather." /> 21st July - Virgin Trains Class 57, No.57307 Lady Penelope is pictured hurtling South through Peterborough on the 'Up Fast' leading 5Z57, the 16:10 Doncaster Works - Wembley Inter City Depot ECS consisting of a newly refurbished Mk3 set. The rake includes DVT No.82126 and will be used as a strategic spare, although it is diagrammed to work a regular Friday Evening diagram from Euston to Preston." /> 25th July - A newcomer to the Rail Enthusiast charter market is Flamboyant Trains, one of the first charters to be operated by the company is pictured here passing Maxey just to the North of Peterborough with the 'Brighton Rocks' charter; 1Z86, the 06:03 Doncaster - Brighton excursion. The 9 coach train formed of BR Blue and Grey Mk2's is in the hands of BR Blue Class 87, No.87002 'Royal Sovereign' with WCRC Class 47, No.47786 attached to the rear. " /> 25th July - DBShcenker Class 92, No.92017 'Shakespeare' heads North through Holme just to the South of Peterborough leading 1Z35, the 08:18 Kings Cross - Bridlington charter formed of 11 Mk1 coaches with a Mk2 attached on the rear. The 92 is booked to haul the charter as far as Doncaster RMT where Class 66, No.66001 would take over for the last leg to Bridlington." /> 25th July - Grand Central's 06:53 service from Sunderland to London Kings Cross (1A60) hurries South through Holme with 43084 and 43065 providing the power." /> 25th July - Hull Trains Class 180, No.180111 passes Holme just to the South of Peterborough forming 1A92, the 08:02 service from Hull to London Kings Cross. " /> 25th July - First Capital Connect liveried Class 317, No.317341 heads South through Holme forming 2P63, the 10:18 service from Peterborough to London Kings Cross." /> 25th July - A first for the ECML! - In connection with the launch of the restoration programme for The Brighton Belle, A4 No.60019 'Bittern' rattles North through Holme, complete with 'The Brighton Belle' headboard and double tenders leading 1Z50, the 09:18 London Kings Cross - York excursion. More information can be found at http://www.brightonbelle.com/" /> 25th July - Fresh from Wolverton Works, Class 180 'Adelante', No.180112; resplendant in Grand Central livery hurries North through Marholm just to the North of Peterborough forming 5Z80 (13:24) Wolverton Works - Heaton." /> 25th July - DBSchenker Class 92, No.92030 'Ashford' rattles North through Marholm just to the North of Peterborough on the 'Down Fast' leading 4E32, the 11:55 Dollands Moor - Scunthorpe empty steel service. The 92 will give way to diesel traction at Doncaster Belmont Yard." /> 25th July - DBSchenker Class 66, No.66081 clatters South through Marholm just to the North of Peterborough on the 'Up Slow' leading 6E90, a Saturdays Only freight working from Peak Forest to Peterborough Yard consisting of loaded box wagons. The wagons will restart their journey to Norwich in the early hours of Monday Morning. Usually this service runs via Stamford, however on this occasion the service travelled via Grantham due to weekend engineering works." /> 25th July - BR Standard 5MT, No.73050 'City of Peterborough' is pictured passing Castor leading the final service of the day, the 17:15 service from Peterborough NVR - Wansford consisting of 5 'Blood and Custard' Mk1s." /> 25th July - A4 No.60019 'Bittern', complete with double tender and 'The Brighton Belle' headboard draws up to the signal on the 'Up Slow' at Marholm leading 1Z51, the 16:55 York - London Kings Cross return charter. More information can be found at http://www.brightonbelle.com/" /> 29th July - Grand Central's First Class 180 in Corporate colours, No.180112 hurries Southbound through Welwyn Garden City forming 1Z61, the 09:18 Sunderland - Kings Cross service for an official naming ceremony. The unit was named 'James Herriot'." />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

June 2009

Mon Jun 1 2009

Monday 1 June 2009: A very quiet month what with a new job and house, one from Marholm of the Bow - Heck Plasmors and one from work; 313s stabled in Welwyn Garden City Carriage Sidings.

12th June - DBSchenker Class 66, No.66087 powers North through Marholm just to the North of Peterborough leading 4E25, the 11:25 Bow Midland - Heck service which comprises of empty 'PNA' wagons. This service carries breeeze blocks from Heck, North Yorkshire and Biggleswade, Bedfordshire to Bow Midland in East London on a daily basis. The train is passing the location at 17:36, running a few minutes ahead of schedule after a lengthy layover and crew change in Peterborough Flyash loop." /> 26th June - First Capital Connect liveried Class 313s, No.313052 paired with 313041 are seen stabled on '7 Road' in Welwyn Garden City Carriage Sidings along with 313033 and 313053 on '6 Road', the latter are to form early morning Saturday services to London Kings Cross." />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

May 2009

Fri May 1 2009

Friday 1 May 2009: ...in the Peterborough area...

3rd May - Arriva Cross Country liveried Class 170, No.170115 approaches Uffington Signal Box forming 1N57, the 13:25 Stansted Airport - Birmingham New Street service." /> 17th May - Railfreight Construction Sectored and Ex-Stratford based Class 31, No.31271 'Stratford 1840-2001' powers through Castor hauling the 13:25 Wansford - Yarwell - Peterborough Nene Valley service, duties on this day were shared with BR Standard 5, 73050 'City of Peterborough'." /> 23rd May - The former Royal Train loco, Class 47, No.47798 'Prince William' which still retains the Claret livery now finds itself on more mundane duties hauling charters with WCRC. In this view, the 47 shatters the early morning peace passing the village of Maxey just to the North of Peterborough leading 1Z46, the 06:12 Doncaster - Canterbury West excursion, just visable on the rear is WCRC liveried Class 47, No.47786." /> 23rd May - Railfreight Construction Sectored and Ex-Stratford based Class 31, No.31271 'Stratford 1840-2001' powers through Castor hauling the 10:30 Wansford - Yarwell - Peterborough Nene Valley service, duties on this day were shared with BR Standard 5, 73050 'City of Peterborough'." /> 23rd May - Due to Bank Holiday engineering works in the Bedford area, a handful of freights which usually travel via the Midland Mainline were diverted via the ECML. One such working is illustrated here as EWS liveried Class 66, No.66031 passes through Marholm just to the North of Peterborough leading 6E38, the diverted 13:10 Colnbrook - Lindsey Oil Refinery empty 'TEA' tanks which carry aviation fuel for Heathrow Airport. 66031 spent several years in store at Toton having donated several parts to its classmates previously." /> 24th May - Freightliner liveried Class 66, No.66512 hurries North through the village of Holme just to the South of Peterborough leading a rake of 5 'HQA' Autoballasters forming 6Y53, the 10:00 Connington - Whitemoor service which operates in conjunction with the High Output Ballast Cleaner, visiting the ECML on an almost nightly basis." /> 24th May - First Capital Connect Class 365s, Nos.365502 and 365533 are pictured hurrying South through Holme forming 1P68, the 10:00 Peterborough to London Kings Cross service." /> 24th May - National Express liveried Class 43, No.43208 blasts South through Holme leading the first timetabled National Express service into London Kings Cross on Sundays - 1A16, the 08:25 service from Leeds, which on this occasion is running in the region of 10 minutes behind schedule." /> 24th May - Royal Claret liveried Class 67, No.67005 'Queens Messenger' hurries Northbound through Holme leading 1Z93, the 08:59 Kings Cross - Sunderland 'Footex', classmate and Royal counterpart 67006 'Royal Sovereign' tails the mixed rake of Mk1 and 2 stock." /> 24th May - EWS liveried Class 66, No.66088 passes Southbound through Holme leading 6H67, the Sundays Only Peterborough Yard - Langley Junction loaded Self Discharge Train. On this occasion, the train has started from Peterborough an hour later than usual at 10:08 due to the prospective over-run of engineering works in the Langley Junction area." /> 24th May - The driver of West Coast Railway Company's Class 47, No.47760 applies some power passing Whittlesea leading 5Z47, the 14:55 Norwich - Carnforth ECS move. It's passing the quiet station in the region of 90' minutes ahead of schedule." /> 24th May - Hull Trains Class 180, No.180109 is pictured stabled on Peterborough Nene Carriage Sidings having failed whilst working 1A95, the 14:10 service from Hull to London Kings Cross. " /> 30th May - Carrying a unique light blue livery in connection with The Teenage Cancer Trust, Class 60, No.60074 'Teenage Spirit' is pictured thundering through a deserted Bridgend leading the delayed, Saturdays Only 6B47 (16:40) Westerleigh - Margam empty bogie tank service." />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

April 2009

Wed Apr 1 2009

Wednesday 1 April 2009: The last collection with regular GEML updates following a move to Peterborough, also included are several photos from the Peterborough area and one from the West Anglia line.

2nd April - A friendly wave from driver and fitter on board National Express East Anglia Class 315s, Nos. 315817 and 315835 forming 5V99, a Witham - Ilford EMUD 'proving run' following modifications to the units at the London depot. Note the 315's destination blind displaying 'Chingford'." /> 2nd April - National Express East Anglia liveried Class 321, No.321303 accelerates away from the scheduled stop at Hatfield Peverel forming 1F33, the 14:15 service from Witham - London Liverpool Street. A modified working following an earlier fatality at Manor Park." /> 2nd April - EWS liveried Class 66, No.66075 trundles South through Hatfield Peverel leading 6Z57, the 13:05 Ipswich West Bank - Watford Yard loaded sand service. The train in this instance consists of 16 Ex-RMC 'JGA' hoppers and is passing the camera on time." /> 7th April - DBSchenker Class 66, No.66164 ambles towards Agnews Crossing in Bainton on the Stamford line near Peterborough leading 6L41, the 10:18 service from Mountsorrel to the Barham unloading facility in Suffolk. The train in this instance consists of 26 loaded 'PGA' hoppers and is passing the camera in the region of 15 minutes ahead of schedule." /> 7th April - DBSchenker Class 67, No.67028 rattles through the station at Sawbridgeworth leading 6M76, the 12:29 Ely Potter Group - Wembley 'Enterprise' service. On this occasion, the train consists of two 'cargowaggons' which are destined for Scotland on behalf of a national supermarket chain, carried forward in the evening Wembley - Mossend 'Enterprise' service." /> 8th April - GBRf liveried Class 66, No.66707 'Sir Sam Fay' passes Hatfield Peverel leading 4M23, the 10:59 Felixstowe North - Hams Hall Intermodal service. Due to a fatality near Shenfield, the service is running around 70 minutes behind schedule, having recessed in the 'Up Loop' at Marks Tey whilst the line was cleared. Due to their commitments with Network Rail Infrastructure contracts, it is uncommon to see 66701 - 707 on Intermodal duties." /> 8th April - DBSchenker Class 90, No.90029 'The Institution of Civil Engineers' finds itself on hire to National Express East Anglia to cover the defecit whilst their fleet of Class 90s undergo major exams at Crewe - Here, 90029 hurries South through Hatfield Peverel leading 1P37, the 13:00 service from Norwich to London Liverpool Street." /> 20th April - Arriva Cross Country liveried Class 170, No.170398 passes Whittlesea forming 1N44, the 13:25 Stansted Airport - Birmingham New Street service, its passing the station 8 minutes behind schedule. Note the signal box under-going repairs." /> 20th April - GBRf liveried Class 66, No.66711 passes Whittlesea leading 4E33, the 11:00 Felixstowe South - Doncaster Intermodal service, very well laden despite the current economic climate!" /> 20th April - DBSchenker Class 92, No.92017 'Shakespeare' hurries towards Peterborough leading 4E32, the 11:55 Dollands Moor - Doncaster empty steel service. On this occasion, the service is running in the region of 40' minutes ahead of schedule passing Haddon's Bridge in Crown Lakes country park, Yaxley." /> 21st April - Arriva Cross Country liveried Class 170, No.170116 approaches Hinxton crossing forming 1L12, the 10:22 Birmingham New Street - Stansted Airport service." /> 21st April - National Express Class 317 units, No.317669 and Prism liveried 317651 form 2H35, the 13:32 Cambridge to London Liverpool Street service passing Hinxton." /> 22nd April - EWS liveried Class 67, No.67020 is stabled outside Peterborough PSB acting as Thunderbird." /> 22nd April - National Express East Coast liveried Class 43, No.43315 is pictured passing Woodcroft crossing leading a uniformed rake of Mk3 stock and 43316 on the rear. The service is 1A15, the 07:28 Harrogate - London Kings Cross service. A Track Circuit Failure in the Retford area has resulted in the service passing the location around 15 minutes behind schedule." /> 22nd April - The last remaining 3-car Central Trains liveried Class 170, No.170639 is pictured approaching Bainton crossing forming 1L10, the 09:22 Birmingham New Street - Stansted Airport Arriva Cross Country service." /> 22nd April - GBRf liveried Class 66, No.66701 'Whitemoor' rattles towards Bainton Crossing leading 6L24, the 10:27 Mountsorrel - Whitemoor loaded ballast working which operates Monday to Friday. The service in this instance utilises 23 Network Rail liveried 'IOA(E)' wagons which entered service in February 2009. With the cancellation of an earlier DBS service from Mountsorrel, the train is passing the camera in the region of 30 minutes ahead of schedule." /> 29th April - National Express East Anglia Class 90, No.90010 powers up Belstead Bank after the scheduled stop at Ipswich leading 1P45, the 15:00 Norwich - London Liverpool Street service." /> 29th April - GBRf liveried Class 66, No.66702 'Blue Lightning' toils up Belstead Bank leading 6A33, the 14:37 North Walsham to Harwich Parkeston Quay loaded condensate tanks, the train consists of 17 'Petrochem Carless' branded 'TEA' tanks which are dedicated to this flow. The train passes the camera on time having waited for booked time in the centre road at Ipswich." /> 29th April - With the unmistakable oil seed rape starting to flower, DBSchenker Class 90, No.90029 remains on hire to National Express East Anglia to cover the defecit whilst one of their fleet of Class 90s undergoes a major overhaul at Crewe. The EWS liveried machine powers up Belstead Bank leading 1P49, the 16:00 service from Norwich to London Liverpool Street." />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

March 2009

Sun Mar 1 2009

Sunday 1 March 2009: Here, there and everywhere in March! - WSMR at Denham, Settle+Carlisle line action, the East Lancs Diesel Gala, Sunny Scotland and of course the latest action from the GEML...

6th March - Freightliner/Shanks liveried Class 66, No.66522 powers towards Kelvedon Station leading 6V79, the inaugural 09:55 Marks Tey - Hayes loaded aggregate service operated by Freightliner Heavy Haul. THe train consisting of 18 matching Freightliner liveried 'HIA' hoppers, the service has been 'cherry-picked' from DBSchenker; the 'Green Team' variation even retaining the same headcode. Its passing the station a few minutes behind schedule." /> 6th March - Freightliner liveried Class 86s, Nos.86632 and 86614 cautiously approach the signal at Colchester leading 4L89, the 22:00 Coatbridge - Felixstowe freightliner service. The day's services were decimated by a broken rail in the area causing delays of up to three hours to some services. Luckily for driver Scarfe his train was one of the last to get through the affected area before Single Line Working was introduced for the rest of the morning and through the afternoon." /> 8th March - Wrexham and Shropshire liveried Class 67, No.67015 leads 1P50, the 10:47 service from Wrexham General to London Marylebone through Denham Golf Club, the train consists of DVT No.82305, three Cargo-D liveried Mk3s and Class 67, No.67013 DIT on the rear (The service unusually used to transit 67015 to London) - '1P50' is running in the region of 10 minutes behind schedule passing the quiet Buckinghamshire station." /> 9th March - DBSchenker's Class 59, No.59202 leads the early running 07:12 Merehead - Acton 'Jumbo' through Crofton, just to the South West of Bedwyn on the Berks and Hants line. The train consists of three portions which are destined to be split at Acton for onward transit to various destinations in the South-East." /> 9th March - First Great Western Class 43, No.43141 hurries through Crofton on the Berks and Hants line leading 1C74, the 08:18 service from London Paddington to Exeter St.Davids. To the right of the image, two black labradors bound along the canal towpath towards the camera." /> 10th March - DBSchenkers active Class 60 fleet continues to dwindle, however in this view class member No.091 passes New Barnetby leading the Tuesdays Only 08:07 Humber - Jarrow loaded bogie tank service in less than desirable conditions. The 'Tug' is passing the camera in the region of 20 minutes behind schedule and with 22 blue 'TEA' tanks in tow." /> 10th March - A brief sunny spell greets DBS Class 66, No.66154 passing New Barnetby with 6C76, the 12:14 loaded coal service from Immingham to Scunthorpe, the first of three loaded DBS coal trains to pass within 15 minutes of each other." /> 11th March - Freightliner Class 66, No.66546 rattles through Settle Station leading 4S11, the 09:00 Leeds Hunslet - Killoch empty coal hopper service." /> 11th March - A Northern Rail Class 158 forms 2H96, the 17:56 departure from Leeds to Carlisle passing The Station Inn at Ribblehead; inside is a roaring fire and a 'loo with a view' looking out onto the famous Ribblehead Viaduct." /> 12th March - Freightliner Class 66, No.66550 passes over the famous Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle and Carlisle line leading 6E63, the 05:16 Carlisle - West Burton Power Station loaded Coal service comprising of 19 'HHA' hoppers. This paticular service is due to pass Ribblehead station just after 08:00 and so the service on this day is running around 20 minutes behind schedule." /> 13th March - West Coast Railway Company's Class 47, No.47804, complete with '10A' shedplate hurries South through Acton Bridge on the WCML leading 5Z47, the 10:18 ECS move from the WCRC base at Carnforth to Kiddiminster on the Severn Valley Railway in connection with a weekend charter." /> 14th March - The East Lancashire Railway held it's Spring Diesel Event during the weekend of the 14th and 15th March. Here BR Blue liveried Class 47, No.47402 makes a racket powering through Burrs Country Park leading 2J66 from Heywood to Rawtenstall, D5054 is on the rear of the well-patronised service." /> 14th March - BR Large Logo Class 50, No.50015 'Valiant' passes the gathered enthusiasts near Burrs Country Park leadng 2J72, the 12:46 departure from Rawtenstall to Heywood. Class 55, No.55022 'Royal Scots Grey' is on the rear." /> 14th March - BR Green 'Thumper', No.1305 was utilised on shuttles between Bury and Ramsbottom throughout the weekend; here, in a scene which could be reminiscent of when the unit was in revenue earning service with British Rail, the 3-car unit is seen passing the Country Park with a service to Bury." /> 14th March - BR Blue Class 33, No.33109 (D6525) 'Captain Bill Smith RNR' rattles past the Caravan site in Burrs Country Park with 2J84, the 16:16 Rawtenstall to Heywood service, complete with matching Mk1 stock. The loco was used on the 'Night Rider' services which operated throughout the night." /> 14th March - Star of the show, Class 55 Deltic, No.55022 'Royal Scots Grey' powers through Burrs Country Park in the very last of the day's sunshine leading an evening service from Rawtenstall to Ramsbottom. Class 50, No.50015 'Valiant' tails the service." /> 16th March - First Scotrail liveried Class 156, No.156457 waits for time at Mallaig prior to forming 1Y48, the 16:05 service to Glasgow Queen Street, which is scheduled to arrive at 21:29 - A journey time of 5 hours and 24 minutes." /> 17th March - First Scotrail liveried Class 156, No.156458 is seen waiting for time at Crianlarich having arrived from Oban. The train is strengthened to 4 cars for the remainder of the journey to Glasgow Queen Street - The remaining 2-cars form the 06:03 service from Mallaig, joining service 1Y22, 08:11 from Oban at Crianlarich. In the event the Oban portion has arrived early therefore numerous passengers have alighted for a cigarette!" /> 17th March - Ex-Hull Trains and now First Scotrail liveried Class 170, No.170395 disappears into the depths of Haymarket Tunnel forming 1R32, the 12:20 service from Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh Waverley." /> 17th March - First Scotrail liveried Class 170, No.170418 leads a Class 158 over the Forth Bridge and into the station at Dalmeny forming 2K13, the 13:18 service from Glenrothes with Thornton to Edinburgh." /> 17th March - The famous Forth Bridge dwarfs a passing Strathclyde liveried Class 170." /> 17th March - DBS Class 67, No.67003 hurries over The Forth Bridge leading 2G13, the 17:08 service from Edinburgh to Edinburgh via the Fife Circle." /> 17th March - As darkness descends over the calm waters of the Firth of Forth a Class 170 DMU crosses the Forth bridge with a service for Edinburgh." /> 19th March - Fine weather in Thurso as First Scotrail liveried Clas 158, No.158719 stands in the platform prior to forming the 13:05 service to Inverness via Wick." /> 20th March - Direct Rail Services Class 66, No.66424 passes Aviemore station leading 4N47, the 13:10 Inverness Needlefield Depot - Grangemouth Intermodal service. Run on behalf of TESCO, the train runs every day including Saturdays and consists of Internationally registered 'IKA Megafret' wagons. The service is booked for a 30-minute layover in the vicinity of Aviemore station for the 11:35 passenger service from Edinburgh to Inverness to clear the Single Line section before continuing to Grangemouth." /> 29th March - First Capital Connect's fleet of 40 Class 365 EMUs continuously ply the routes out of London Kings Cross to Cambridge, Kings Lynn and Peterborough. Here two members of the class, Nos.365529 and 365504 pass through the Hertfordshire countryside in Baldock forming the late running 1C83, (07:46) Cambridge to London Kings Cross service." /> 30th March - Thunderbirds are go! - Cotswold Rail liveried Class 47, No.47813 'John Peel' passes Hatfield Peverel leading failed set NC02 from London Liverpool Street to Norwich. The set failed shortly before departure from London whilst forming the 08:30 service to Norwich. This is 5P12, the ECS heading back to Norwich for some attention!" /> 30th March - Freightliner Veteran Class 86s, Nos. 86604 and 86639 pass Hatfield Peverel leading 4M81, the 07:34 Felixstowe - Garston Freightliner Intermodal service. The train proceeds very gingerly towards Chelmsford, joining the back of the queue caused by the failure of 170201." /> 30th March - Providing a splash of colour to the surroundings, the Eu-Rail Scout passes Hatfield Peverel with a Willesden - Willesden run." /> 30th March - GBRf 'Barbie' liveried Class 66, No.66727 hurries South through Hatfield Peverel leading a well-loaded 4M23, (09:48) Felixstowe South - Hams Hall Intermodal service." /> 30th March - National Express East Anglia Class 90, No.90010 heads South through Hatfield Peverel leading 1P33, the 12:00 departure from Norwich to London Liverpool Street." />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

February 2009

Sun Feb 1 2009

Sunday 1 February 2009: In this collection: A visit to Ilford Depot, ECML Action, Stratford sheds, some snow and even a Tornado!!

2nd February - National Express East Anglia's Class 315, No.315842 arrives at a snowy Shenfield forming 2W30, the 08:12 service from Liverpool Street to Shenfield. Some services were delayed in excess of two hours due to several points, signal and train failures due to the adverse weather." /> 2nd February - Shenfield's finest! - Dave does an excellent job battling the harsh conditions whilst clearing the snow from the platform." /> 2nd February - National Express East Anglia's Class 315, No.315842 departs Shenfield in the snow forming 2W85, the delayed 12:44 service from Shenfield to London Liverpool Street. This paticular service starting 29' minutes behind schedule - Some services were delayed in excess of two hours due to several points, signal and train failures due to the adverse weather." /> 13th February - More snow fell during the previous 24 hours, the remnants of which can still be seen on the surrounding fields near Kelvedon as National Express liveried Class 90, No.90015 'Colchester Castle' hurries South leading 1P21, the day's 09:00 departure from Norwich to London Liverpool Street." /> 13th February - The clouds have now sufficiently dispersed to allow the sun to appear in time for the passage of National Express Class 90, No.90005 'Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson' leading the day's 10:00 departure from Norwich to London Liverpool Street. Passing in the opposite direction is the 10:30 express from London to Norwich - Both of which are running slightly ahead of schedule passing the camera." /> 13th February - Freightliner Grey liveried Class 90, No.90049 passes Kelvedon leading 4M81, the 07:34 Felixstowe - Garston freightliner Intermodal. The service is running to time, despite the best efforts of the local wildlife, an imprint of which can be seen just below the driver!" /> 14th February - South West Trains Class 450, No.450557 passes through the outskirts of Chertsey at Lyne forming 2S19, the 08:52 London Waterloo - Weybridge local service. The 'HC' lettering above the unit number denotes that this paticular unit is one of 28 of these Class 450/5's to be fitted with 'High Capacity' seating." /> 14th February - Having just crossed the M25, EWS liveried (D.B.Schenker) Class 66, No.66165 passes through the Surrey countryside near Lyne, Chertsey leading 4O53, the 04:07 Trafford Park - Southampton Intermodal service, diverted via London due to weekend engineering works between Oxford and Banbury." /> 14th February - The original 49 'A1 Pacific' locomotives were built to a Peppercorn design by British Railways during 1948/49 at both Doncaster and Darlington Works for express passenger workings between London Kings Cross and Yorkshire, the North-East and Scotland. They had a relatively short working life before dieselisation rolled across B.R. and the last class members were withdrawn during 1966. None of the class survived into preservation. �Tornado� has been a major engineering project since 1990, culminating in the completed engine moving under its own steam just a few months ago, at its birthplace of Darlington Locomotive Works. Here, No.60163 'Tornado' chuffs through the Surrey countryside near Chertsey leading 1Z94, the 09:40 Waterloo - Overton - Waterloo 'Valentine's Day Special' circular charter." /> 14th February - South West Trains Class 450 'Desiro', No.450037 has received the unwanted attention of vandals and has been graffitied, the unit is pictured making the booked stop at Hook whilst forming 2L36, the 11:24 service from Basingstoke to London Waterloo." /> 14th February - Now at Millbrook, Southampton - Freightliner Class 66, No.66956 passes through the station with 4O27, the 05:29 Garston - Southampton Intermodal service. " /> 14th February - A1 'Peppercorn' No.60163 'Tornado' makes a fine sight passing the station and extensive gallery at Millbrook leading 1Z95, the 12:00 Overton - London Waterloo leg of the 'Valentine's Day Special'. Class 67, No.67028 can be seen on the rear of the charter, which is passing the gathered crowd in the region of 5 minutes behind schedule." /> 14th February - Some proper traction now as Class 60, No.60060 'James Watt' shatters the relative peace at Earlswood, storming through the station with a massively late 6O58 (21:23 Peak Forest - Crawley) loaded aggregate service consisting of Cemex 'HOA' hoppers. Booked traction in the form of 60022 only managing as far as Nuneaton where it expired and had to be rescued by 66119. Having reached Wembley after a run South on the WCML, both locos were substituted for 60060 for the run to Crawley. 6O58 is booked to reach Crawley at 06:40, so the passage of the service at 14:57 through Earlswood (Still some way from the ultimate destination) gives some indication of how late the train is." /> 16th February - National Express liveried Class 43, No.43306 charges South through Arlesey leading a uniform rake of stock forming 1A17, the 07:52 Newcastle - London Kings Cross service. Class 43, No.43208 tails." /> 16th February - Ex-Great Eastern liveried Class 321, No.321301 hurries North through Arlesey on the 'Down Fast' line forming 5Z10, the 09:35 Ilford EMUD - Doncaster West Yard move to receive a C6X overhaul. The schedule included a 30 minute stop at Finsbury Park - presumably due to pathing restraints, however the unit is seen running in the region of 45 minutes ahead of schedule, seemingly omitting the booked stop!" /> 16th February - First Capital Connect Class 317, No.317343 approaches Arlesey station forming 2P63, the 10:15 service from Peterborough to London Kings Cross. Classmate 317345 'Driver John Webb' makes up the rear 4 cars." /> 16th February - GBRf liveried Class 66, No.66714 'Cromer Lifeboat' hurries Northbound through Hitchin, Hertfordshire leading 6E35, the 13:00 Copenhagen Junction - Wellingborough Up Sidings service. The train consists of 16 empty Metronet 'MLA' wagons and is passing the camera 12' minutes behind schedule." /> 26th February - National Express East Anglia's 'Metro' services between Shenfield and London Liverpool Street now operate as 4-car Off-Peak services as opposed to 8 utilised in the past, this is illustrated here as Class 315, No.315861 approaches the delightful station at Chadwell Heath forming 2W50, the 09:52 service from London Liverpool Street to Shenfield." /> 26th February - Stabled in the confines of Ilford EMUD during the day are a plethora of National Express East Anglia receiving modifications before they are needed to operate evening peak services out of London Liverpool Street. Pictured here are Class 317s, No.317511 and Stansted Express liveried 317722, the 317/5 being a long-term resident having donated several parts to other class members. The 317/7 is out of service with an auxillary/pantograph fault." /> 26th February - National Express Class 321, No.321366 is 'Not to be moved' inside Ilford EMUD, the keen eyed may spot two green lights above the unit, this is to alert the team at Ilford that the overhead line equipment situated above this 'road' is isolated, and is therefore safe to tend to faults above the orange cantrail stripe!" /> 26th February - National Express Class 315, No.315814 and classmate 315816 along with Class 360, No.360117 and classmate 360110 are seen stabled in the confines of Ilford EMUD. During the day there are only two diagrams which bring Class 360s to the depot, '15 road' being dedicated to the Siemens team who manufacture the Class 360 Desiros." /> 26th February - There isn't much the team at Ilford can't do with the units that visit on a day to day basis, this image illustrates the bogey belonging to DMS2 on Class 315, No.315818 which is having a traction motor changed." /> 26th February - Class 321, No.321337 and 321357 are seen stabled in the confines of Ilford EMUD." /> 26th February - National Express Class 321, No.321334, National Express East Anglia livered Class 321, No.321321 and Class 317, No.317650 are seen stabled in the confines of Ilford EMUD. 321321 has recently returned from Doncaster after a C6X overhaul at Wabtec, something the entire 321 fleet based at Ilford will undergo. Also of note is 317650's 'Prism' livery, the colour scheme worn by the unit for over 5 years through three Train Operating Company eras!" /> 26th February - The yard shunter based at Ilford depot is Class 08, No.08573, the 'gronk' earns it's keep shunting units around the complex on a regular basis. The two wagons either side enable the 08 to shunt the EMUs with their modern style couplings..." /> 26th February - Now at Stratford, DRS Class 66, No.66418 passes the station leading 4M71, the 11:25 Tilbury - Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal 'Sugarliner' service, the train consists of a number of continental style flat wagons conveying 'Tate and Lyle' tanktainers. The train is running bang on time passing at 13:25 as the driver is applying power upon the road onto the North London Line pulling off." /> 26th February - EWS liveried (D.B.Schenker) Class 66, No.66187 passes the Stratford Olympic building site leading 6Z95, the 10:59 Angerstein - Lea Interchange (Temple Mills) loaded aggregate service, no doubt in connection with the Olympics. The booked passing time for this is 13:38, so the service is running 6' minutes behind schedule passing the camera." />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

General

Thu Jan 31 2002

Thursday 31 January 2002: General

21st August 2009 - Bournemouth based Guard Steve Clark poses for pictures at Lymington Pier prior to working back to Brockenhurst." />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

January 2009

Thu Jan 1 2009

Thursday 1 January 2009: A quiet month, nevertheless the collection includes a hired-in AXC HST set for National Express and West Anglian traffic near Bishops Stortford...

2nd January 2009 - Arriva Cross Country's 09:22 service from Birmingham New Street to Stansted Airport (1L10) passes Agnews Farm Crossing, Bainton near Stamford in the capable hands of Class 170, No.170397. Sadly this stretch of line sees very little in the way of traffic; an hourly AXC service to/from Stansted Airport and a handful of aggregate freights per day." /> 2nd January 2009 - Loadhaul liveried Class 60, No.60059 'Swinden Dalesman' has just diverged from the ECML at Helpston Junction and is rumbling towards Bainton Green crossing on the line to Stamford leading 6M87, the 12:12 Peterborough Yard to Peak Forest empties, the train unusually comprising of a rake of nineteen Internationally registered 'JRA' bogie box wagons wagons as opposed to the usual Cemex hoppers usually seen. The service was delayed in Peterborough Yard due to problems with the loco and is passing the camera in the region of 30 minutes behind schedule." /> 3rd January 2009 - Due to a shortage of HSTs, National Express East Coast hired in Arriva Cross Country's set 'XC04' to cover a diagram that was originally planned to be a 67-hauled Mk4 set, however since set 'XC04' was spare at Neville Hill (albeit minus one powercar), 43295 was sent from Brush Loughborough after MTU overhaul to complete the set which saved a number of coupling/uncoupling manoeuvres! - This view shows Arriva Cross Country liveried Class 43, No.43301 approaching Woolmer Green on the ECML where the four tracks between Knebworth and Welwyn Garden City become two for the tunnels at Welwyn and Digswell Viaduct. The service is 1E07, the 10:35 Newcastle to London Kings Cross service, running 3 minutes ahead of schedule and therefore passing the camera somewhat slower than anticipated following a First Capital Connect Class 365. National Express liveried Class 43, No.43295 is on the rear and just about visable between the trees." /> 26th January - Stansted Express Class 317, No.317719 passes Spelbrook near Bishops Stortford in Hertfordshire forming 1B61, the 13:15 service from Stansted Airport - London Liverpool Street. Stansted Express operate 21 of these dedicated 4-car units on services to the Essex Airport, the fleet comprises of nine Class 317/7's and twelve Class 317/8's, all of which are based at Ilford EMUD. " /> 26th January - Stansted Express Class 317, No.317882 passes through the Hertfordshire countryside near Spelbrook forming 1B63, the 13:30 service from Stansted Airport to London Liverpool Street. The Stansted Express runs at 15 minute intervals from the early hours of the morning to late evening, with an average journey time from the Airport to Central London taking 45 minutes." /> 26th January - Direct Rail Services Class 37, No.37611 makes a serious racket passing the Hertfordshire village of Spelbrook leading 1Q18, the 08:35 SERCO Test Train from Derby RTC to Ilford EMUD. The train comprises of 5 vehicles, including coach 975091 'Mentor' which tests the OHLE for any faults. The schedule for this run included a visit to Kings Lynn and Enfield Town before heading back to Ilford to stable. DRS Compass liveried Class 37, No.37069 tails the train which is running in the region of 6 minutes ahead of schedule." /> 29th January - National Express liveried Class 317, No.317502 passes through the Hertfordshire countryside near Spelbrook forming 2B19, the 14:03 service from Stansted Airport to Stratford service." /> 29th January - EWS (Now DB Schenker) liveried Class 66, No.66097 accelerates through Spelbrook, Herts leading 6M76, the 12:29 Ely Potter Group - Wembley Enterprise service. The train today comprising of 5 wagons, of which the three rearmost 'IZA' coded wagons contain food products for Tesco, these will eventually end up at Mossend having been transferred in the evening enterprise service from Wembley. This service runs every Tuesday and Thursday, providing welcome variation to the diet of Class 317 EMUs which constantly ply the route. The train is passing the camera in the region of 10 minutes behind schedule after a late start from Ely and after a spell in Bishops Stortford 'Up Loop', no doubt to allow the frequent Stansted Express trains to pass." />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

December 2008

Mon Dec 1 2008

Monday 1 December 2008: Includes the last remnants of this years RHTT activity, test train and steam charter activity in Cambridgeshire, the welcome return of 86501 and the latest happenings on the GEML.

2nd December - First Capital Connect liveried Class 317, No.317337 approaches Meldreth station forming 2C05, the 08:03 service from London Kings Cross to Cambridge." /> 2nd December - The RHTT season marches on, EWS Class 66, No.66007 passes a small foot crossing on the approach to Meldreth station leading 3J32, the 05:58 Highbury Junction - Highbury Junction RHTT, this diagram sees the RHTT cover Hitchin Down Yard, Biggleswade, Royston Loop and Foxton. In this view the train is heading for Foxton before heading back to Highbury Junction via Hitchin and the Hertford Loop. Class mate 66182 tails the train." /> 2nd December - First Capital Connect liveried Class 365, No.365507 leads classmate 365528 through Meldreth forming 1C85, the 09:28 service from Cambridge to London Kings Cross." /> 2nd December - EWS Class 66, No.66182 passes Meldreth leading 3J32, the 05:58 Highbury Junction - Highbury Junction RHTT, this diagram sees the RHTT cover Hitchin Down Yard, Biggleswade, Royston Loop and Foxton. In this view the train has reversed at Foxton and is heading back to Highbury Junction via Hitchin and the Hertford Loop. Class mate 66007 tails the train. " /> 2nd December - Ex-Fragonset liveried Class 31, No.31106 hurries Southeast through Meldreth leading an early running 1Q07 (09:27) Cambridge Yard - Cambridge Yard Network Rail test train via London Liverpool Street. Network Rail DBSO No.9701 which is on the rear in this view will lead the train from London Liverpool Street back to Cambridge after the scheduled 10 minute stop at the London terminus." /> 7th December - First Capital Connect's fleet of EMUs are currently stretched very thin with several of their Class 365 fleet out of action at Hornsey or undergoing maintenance at Ilford's Bombardier works. In this view Class 365, No.365538 leads classmate 365514 into Arlesey station forming 1P69, the 10:45 service from Peterborough to London Kings Cross." /> 7th December - First Capital Connect liveried Class 365, No.365513 passes through the Hertfordshire countryside near Ashwell forming 2C66, the 12:02 service from Cambridge to London Kings Cross." /> 7th December - The Cathedrals Express operated by Steam Dreams visited Ely today for a special Christmas Carol Concert, this is the train in the Ashwell area near Baldock, Herts behind No.34067 'Tangmere'. The service ran as 1Z43 (11:25) London Kings Cross - Ely via Hitchin, Royston and Cambridge. A points failure near Willesden delayed the ECS from Southall which meant the charter started 34 minutes late from London Kings Cross, its passing the camera in the region of 30 mintes later than advertised." /> 9th December - EWS Class 60, No.60068 'Charles Darwin' passes Ingatestone leading 6V79, the 09:55 Marks Tey - Hayes loaded sand service." /> 9th December - The Sandite season is drawing to a close now with 98% of leaves reported to have fallen. In this view DRS liveried Class 57, No.57011 leads 3S60, the 09:21 Stowmarket - Shenfield RHTT through Ingatestone. Classmate 57009 is on the rear." /> 9th December - EWS Class 90s continue to 'plug the gap' for NXEA whilst their Class 90 fleet undergo major exams at Crewe, this is First Scotrail liveried Class 90, No.90024 passing Ingatestone leading the days 09:30 departure from Norwich to London Liverpool Street." /> 17th December - National Express East Anglia liveried Class 90, No.90008 charges South through Kelvedon leading 1P21, the days 09:00 departure from Norwich to London Liverpool Street." /> 17th December - Freightliner Green liveried Class 90, No.90041 is pictured passing Kelvedon heading South leading 4R98, the 08:43 Felixstowe - Tilbury freightliner service. 90041 is one of three Freightliner Class 90s which wear Freightliner Green livery, the remainder appear in the older Freightliner Grey livery. " /> 17th December - Freightliner Grey liveried Class 90, No.90043 'Freightliner Coatbridge' heads South through Kelvedon leading 4M81, the 07:45 freightliner service from Felixstowe to Ditton." /> 17th December - National Express Class 156, No.156402 hurries South through Kelvedon forming 5V91 (10:17) Norwich - Ilford ECS move. This paticular unit currently wears an advertising livery promoting Chapelfield Shopping Centre in Norwich, its bound for Ilford Wheel Lathe for tyre-turning." /> 17th December - Freightliner Veteran Class 86, No.86501 is pictured passing Kelvedon, this popular locomotive caught fire just South of Bletchley on August 22nd 2008 whilst working 4L97 Trafford Park - Felixstowe. After several weeks at Crewe LNWR for repairs, the sole Class 86/5 is back out in traffic and is seen leading 4M88, the 08:49 Felixstowe - Crewe Basford Hall freightliner service. " />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

November 2008

Sat Nov 1 2008

Saturday 1 November 2008: Includes 'The Capital Whistler', Double Grids on steel and the latest GEML action...

15th November - National Express liveried Class 43, No.43305 hurries South through Langford, Biggleswade leading the late running 07:44 service from Harrogate to London Kings Cross. Classmate 43328, also sporting the National Express livery provides power from the rear as the train passes the location in the region of 15 minutes behind schedule." /> 15th November - BR Large Logo liveried Class 40, No.40145 'East Lancashire Railway' hurries Southbound through Langford, Biggleswade leading 'The Capital Whistler', 1Z55, the 06:22 Preston - London Kings Cross charter service operated by Spitfire Railtours. The headcode is indicative that the tour was originally due to be hauled by a Class 55 Deltic and entitled 'The Capital Deltic', however non-availability of the requested traction resulted in the CFPS's Class 40 to be drafted in as a replacement." /> 17th November - Double Grids on freight through Barnetby in 2008! - Cautiously approaching the station from Wrawby Junction in striking liveries are Hanson Traction Class 56/3s, No.56312 'ARTEMIS' (Formerley 56003) and Class 56, No.56311 (Formerley 56057). The duo are leading a trial flow of covered steel on behalf of 'Freight Europe' for the automotive industry contained in 19 'IHA' wagons. Running as 6Z56, the train has originated from the former Alstom plant at Washwood Heath at 07:35 heading for the Nordic Terminal at Immingham Dock. The train is seen coming to a halt in the platform to allow another freight service to pass. The 'Grids' are on hire to Colas Rail for the three-week trial flow and left Barnetby at 11:56, 3' minutes ahead of schedule." /> 17th November - A busy moment at Barnetby as GBRf 'Blackbird' Class 66, No.66709 'Joseph Arnold Davies' passes Barnetby station leading 4R41, the 09:28 Eggborough Power Station - Immingham as required empty coal hopper service. To the left of the picture is 6M00, the Humber - Kingsbury tanks operated by Freightliner Class 66, No.66621 and to the right is the Colas Rail operated steel flow hauled by 56311 and 56312." /> 17th November - Loadhaul liveried Class 60, No.60059 'Swinden Dalesman' approaches Barnetby leading 6K23, the 11:41 Santon - Immingham empty iron ore service. The load is transferred in these 36 year old 'JTA' and 'JUA' wagons which were built by BREL at Shildon, County Durham - Two 'JTA Outer' wagons at each end to enable the loco to couple up and any number of 'JUA Inner' wagons which feature rotary couplings enabling each wagon to be tipped over and the load deposited very quickly into a receiving shuttle." /> 17th November - DRS Class 20s, No.20304 and 20305 pass Barnetby with 3S14, the 11:14 Grimsby - Malton RHTT - This paticular diagram which runs Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays only sees the duo work from York to York via Sheffield, Wakefield Kirkgate, Grimsby and Malton, taking nearly 16 hours to complete the circuit. The 20s are seen on their second run through Barnetby station running around 30 minutes behind schedule." /> 17th November - EWS Class 60, No.60020 passes Barnetby East Signal box and into Barnetby station leading 6T24, the 11:39 Immingham - Santon loaded iron ore. Usually two Class 60s are rostered to work these trains per day, shuttling thousands of tonnes of Iron Ore between Immingham and Santon in 14 rounds trips." /> 17th November - First Transpennine Express Class 185 Desiro, No.185106 is seen at Cleethorpes prior to working 1B85, the 15:28 service to Manchester Airport. First Transpennine Express operate 51 of these 3-car units covering destinations such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Windermere, Barrow In Furness, Blackpool, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Cleethorpes, Hull and Scarborough." /> 17th November - EWS Grey liveried Class 60, No.60063 'James Murray' pauses at Carlisle whilst in charge of 6M93, the 18:04 Tees yard - Carlisle yard empty MGR coal hopper working. The driver is returning to the controls having just phoned the signal box for the road, which was duly given after 185117 forming a Manchester Airport - Glasgow Central service had cleared the section." /> 19th November - Advenza Freight liveried Class 47, No.47237 is seen stabled just off Cardiff Central station having worked in to Cardiff Tidal with scrap wagons from Stockton earlier in the week." /> 19th November - The view from Platform '0' as EWS Class 66, No.66146 rolls through Cardiff Central leading a rake of 6 'IWB' Cargowaggons forming 6B03, the 09:10 Trostre - Llanwern empty steel service." /> 19th November - London Midland liveried Class 350, No.350102 is seen at Northmapton in one of the platform bays having arrived as 2Y43, the 18:15 service from Birmingham New Street" /> 22nd November - First Great Western Class 57, No.57603 'Tintagel Castle' is seen at Exeter St. Davids whilst working 1C99, the 23:45 'Night Riviera' sleeper service from London Paddington to Penzance. Due to an engineering possession which was due to take place at Taunton after the passage of 1C99, the train left Taunton at 02:15 as opposed to the booked time of 03:34, arriving into Exeter two hours early at 02:49." /> 22nd November - First Great Western Class 142s, No.142062 and 142001 are seen stabled in Exeter St. Davids station prior to working early morning services to Exmouth and Paignton." /> 22nd November - First Great Western Class 150, No.150121 in Ex-Silverlink livery is seen stabled at Exeter St. Davids with Class 153, No.153305 prior to working an early morning service to Bristol Parkway via Weston-super-Mare." /> 24th November - Another day, another rescue mission for 'Thunderbird' Class 47, No.47818 'Emily', the 47 is pictured leading the failed set North through Kelvedon heading for Norwich Crown Point, National Express liveried Class 90, No.90008 is Dead on the rear." /> 24th November - Freightliner Class 86s, No.86638 and No.86610 head South through Kelvedon leading 4Z88, the 10:10 Ipswich Yard to Ilford Wheel Lathe move consisting of two empty freightliner flats that require tyre-turning on the lathe." /> 24th November - Complete with National Express liveried Mk3 coaches, First Scotrail liveried Class 90, No.90024 hurries South through Kelvedon leading the day's 10:30 departure from Norwich to London Liverpool Street" /> 24th November - With the sun finally making an appearance, Freightliner Green liveried Class 90, No.90016 trundles South through Kelvedon leading 4M88, the 08:49 Felixstowe - Crewe Basford Hall freightliner service." />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

October 2008 - Part 2

Thu Oct 16 2008

Thursday 16 October 2008: General GEML action to round of the month - DRS 37s and 57s on the Shenfield RHTT circuit and the latest Class 60 and Class 86 action...

21st October - National Express East Anglia Class 156, No.156407 in the 'Wherry Lines' advertising livery is paired with Class 170, No.170204 passing Barham forming 5E74, the 08:45 Norwich - Ipswich ECS move. The Class 156 will later form a local service to Cambridge and the Class 170 the 10:03 service from Ipswich to Peterborough." /> 21st October - Filthy DRS Class 57, No.57012 hurries South through Barham leading 3S60, the 09:21 Stowmarket - Shenfield RHTT with 57007 on the rear." /> 21st October - Due to a DVT failure earlier in the day, National Express East Anglia's Class 90, No.90015 'Colchester Castle' was utilised in top and tail formation with EWS Class 90, No.90036 on London to Norwich services. In this view, 90015 approaches Manningtree 10 minutes behind scheudle leading 1P14, the 09:00 London Liverpool Street - Norwich service. " /> 21st October - DRS Class 57, No.57007 passes Great Bentley on the Clacton branch leading 3S61, the 11:27 Shenfield - Clacton-on-Sea RHTT which is seen running in the region of 10 minutes ahead of schedule. 57007 remains relitavely clean compared to Classmate 57012 seen at the rear!" /> 21st October - After a quick turnaround at Clacton-on-Sea, DRS Class 57, No.57012 returns through Great Bentley forming 3S62, the 12:55 Clacton-on-Sea - Colchester leg of the circuit. The train rattles towards Great Bentley station running in the region of 30 minutes ahead of schedule and with Classmate 57007 on the rear." /> 27th October - National Express liveried Class 360, No.360115 drifts South through Kelvedon forming an ECS service." /> 27th October - Freightliner Green liveried Class 86, No.86612 hurries South theough Kelvedon leading ten Freightliner flats bound for Ilford Wheel Lathe for 'tyre turning' - The working, 4C88 (08:27) Ipswich Yard - Ilford Wheel Lathe being delayed at Ipswich due to a problem with 86612." /> 27th October - DRS Class 57, No.57012 leads the day's 3S60 (09:21) Stowmarket - Shenfield RHTT South through Kelvedon with classmate 57007 on the rear. " /> 28th October - Freightliner Class 66, No.66577 hurries South through Kelvedon leading a delayed 4M94 (07:30) Felixstowe - Lawley Street Freightliner service." /> 28th October - EWS Railfreight liveried Class 90, No.90036 charges Southbound towards the capital leading a delayed 1P21 (09:00) Norwich - London Liverpool Street service. " /> 28th October - Providing adequate variation from the Class 57s on this circuit, DRS Class 37, No.37261 trundles South through Kelvedon leading 3S60, the 09:21 RHTT departure from Stowmarket to Shenfield, Classmate No.37087 'Keighley & Worth Valley Railway - 40th Anniversary 1968 - 2008' provides power from the rear. The train is seen in the region of 20 minutes behind scheudle passing the camera - When was the last time a pair of Ex-Stratford based machines worked a train together?!" /> 31st October - Freightliner Class 66, No.66501 'JAPAN 2001' passes St Mary's Church in Kelvedon leading 4M94, the 07:30 Felixstowe - Lawley Street Intermodal service." /> 31st October - National Express liveried Class 360, No.360115 is paired with 360116 forming 1N31, the 08:50 service from Clacton-on-Sea - London Liverpool Street." /> 31st October - EWS Grey liveried Class 60, No.60095 rumbles South through Kelvedon leading 6V79, the 09:55 Marks Tey - Hayes loaded sand working, on this occasion the train consists of 19 Ex-RMC 'JGA' loaded bogie hoppers." /> 31st October - DRS Class 57, No.57012 passes Kelvedon leading the day's 3S60, (09:21) Stowmarket - Shenfield RHTT. Classmate 57007 is on the rear." /> 31st October - Following closely behind the DRS RHTT working is Freightliner Class 66, No.66592 'Johnson Stevens Agencies' leading 4R97, the 08:41 Felixstowe North - Tilbury service." />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

October 2008 - Part 1

Wed Oct 1 2008

Wednesday 1 October 2008: Highlights from the first half of October include amongst other things: The commencement of DRS hauled Rail Head Treatment Trains, Class 60 action along the GEML, 47773 to Southend Central and a snoop around Wembley, Old Oak Common and Acton yard...

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

September 2008 - Part 2

Tue Sep 16 2008

Tuesday 16 September 2008: 19th September - Water Orton A selection of images from a sunny day at Water Orton. 20th September - 70013 on the GEML A single image of 70013 passing Margaretting leading a London to Norwich charter. 25th September - Biggleswade Action Two images from an hour at Biggleswade, Beds waiting for 37423 and saloon heading back to Derby. 26th September - Driver Experience on the NVR Two images from the NVR of 37518 working 'Driver Experience' special trips from Wansford to Peterborough and return.

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

September 2008 - Part 1

Mon Sep 1 2008

Monday 1 September 2008: 1st September - Marks Tey A few from sunny Marks Tey. 2nd September - Newport Tug 60077 passing Newport, Essex with a Harlow Mill - Peterborough service. 4th September - Margaretting Moment 90005 passing Margaretting with a stock move from Ilford to Norwich. 5th September - Shenfield Moment EWS 60094 passing Shenfield with the Marks Tey - Hayes sand train. 9th September - 1Q21 at Elsenham DBSO 9703 and 31602 passing Elsenham with a Cambridge to Ilford Test Train.

01st September - National Express East Anglia liveried Class 90, No.90003 'Raedwald of East Anglia ' heads through the Essex countryside near Marks Tey leading 1P19, the 08:30 service from Norwich to London Liverpool Street." /> 01st September - Class 360 Desiros, No.360113 and classmate 360114 head South through Marks Tey leading 1N33, the 09:50 service from Clacton-on-Sea - London Liverpool Street." /> 01st September - Seen from across a field, Class 90, No.90001 speeds South through Marks Tey leading 1P18, the 10:00 service from London Liverpool Street to Norwich. " /> 2nd September - Cross Country's hourly service from Stansted Airport to Birmingham New Street passes Elsenham formed of 3-car Class 170, No.170639. The paticular service being 1N44, the 13:25 departure from the Essex Airport." /> 2nd September - Freight activity on the West Anglia Mainline is sparse, with the majority of workings being aggregate traffic bound for Harlow Mill for onward transit to London and the surrounding areas - Providing a break from the diet of Multiple Units is 6M29, the 14:45 departure from Harlow Mill to Mountsorrel which is pictured passing Newport, Essex with Grey liveried Class 60, No.60077 in charge." /> 4th September - Class 90, No.90005 'Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson' heads North through Margaretting leading 5P98 Ilford EMUD - Norwich Crown Point, the move consisting of two Mk3 coaches fresh from 'tyre turning' on the wheel lathe at Ilford EMUD." /> 5th September - EWS Class 60, No.60094 'Rugby Flyer' cautiously approaches Shenfield station whilst the road onto the 'Electric Lines' is set - The 60 is leading 6Z79, the weekly Marks Tey - Hayes loaded sand service." /> 9th September - Network Rail now employs 5 Ex-Anglia Railways DBSO trailers for use on their test trains to eliminate the need for two locos on one train - DBSO 9701 leads 1Q21, the 10:20 Cambridge TMD - Ilford EMUD Test Train South through Elsenham, Essex a few minutes ahead of schedule on route to London Liverpool Street. The train was also to visit Hertford East before heading back to Liverpool Street for the run to Ilford EMUD." /> 9th September - Network Rail liveried Class 31, No.31602 'Driver Dave Green 19B' provides power to 1Q21, the 10:20 Cambridge TMD - Ilford EMUD Test Train heading South through Elsenham, Essex a few minutes ahead of schedule on route to London Liverpool Street. The train was also to visit Hertford East before heading back to Liverpool Street for the run to Ilford EMUD." />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

August 2008 - Part 2

Mon Aug 18 2008

Monday 18 August 2008: 20/08 - SERCO 31s at Shenfield 31105 and Pink liveried 31601 passing Shenfield with a SERCO bound for Liverpool Street. 29/08 - Thunderbirds are go! A quick visit to Hatfield Peverel for 47813 rescuing a failed freight! 30/08 - ECML activity A few shots from Sunny Biggleswade to round off the month.

20th August - Network Rail's Yellow liveried Class 31, No.31105 burbles into Platform 4 at Shenfield leading 1Q18, the 09:30 Ilford EMUD - Ferme Park SERCO test train. The train consists of 5 coaches, one being 'MENTOR' which travels the length and breadth of the country testing the Overhead wires. 1Q18 was booked to Chelmsford Down Loop twice on this visit but due to late running it was decided to run only as far as Shenfield Middle Siding on the first run and so the train is seen just a few minutes behind schedule slowing to a halt for the on-board crew to inspect a suspected dragging brake on 31601, out of sight on the rear. The train was soon on the move heading back to London Liverpool Street" /> 20th August - Ex-Wessex Trains liveried Class 31, No.31601 'Gauge 'O' Guild 1956-2006' trundles away from Shenfield trailing 1Q18 to London Liverpool Street, this run testing the overhead wires on the 'Up Electric' line from Shenfield to London" /> 29th August - A message that the Crewe Basford Hall to Felixstowe liner had failed near Chelmsford and that the Thunderbird was assisting from Shenfield prompted a visit to Hatfield Peverel where Cotswold Rail liveried Class 47, No.47813 'John Peel' is seen struggling up the 1 in 178 incline through Hatfield Peverel Station leading failed Freightliner Heavy Haul Class 66, No.66555 and Class 90, No.90044 with 4L75, the 11:44 Crewe Basford Hall - Felixstowe Freightliner service" /> 30th August - National Express Class 43, No.43318 'City of Kingston upon Hull ' charges South through Langford, Biggleswade leading a service to London Kings Cross" /> 30th August - National Express liveried powercar, No.43239 hurtles South through Langford, Biggleswade leading 1E10, the 07:52 service from Aberdeen to London Kings Cross" /> 30th August - Grand Central's Class 43, No.43065 leads 1A62, the 12:30 Sunderland to London Kings Cross service South through Langford, Biggleswade" /> 30th August - Class 91, No.91122 'Tam the Gun' hurries North through Langford, Biggleswade leading 1N11, the 16:30 service from London Kings Cross - Newcastle" /> 30th August - EWS Class 60, No.60040 'The Territorial Army Centenary ' heads North through Langford, Biggleswade leading a diverted Willesden - Tunstead train consisting of empty cement tanks" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

August 2008 - Part 1

Fri Aug 1 2008

Friday 1 August 2008: 09th August - Out and about Just the one photo from early morning at Elmswell, then over to the ECML at Arlesey for an Advenza scrap train for Hitchin. 12th August - NXEA to the rescue! The failure of 4L89 from Coatbridge to Felixstowe near Brentwood resulted in NXEA scrambling 90006 from Ilford to assist, the liner was seen passing Ingatestone sone two hours behind schedule. 13th August - Cossington Another visit to sunny Cossington for Fastline coal trains. 17th August - Blockbuster! Virgin Trains used 57313 and Wembley based Mk3 set WB64 on an additional 'Blockbuster' service from Euston to Wolverhampton, the train was seen passing Saunderton.

09th August - Freightliner Class 66, No.66501 'Japan 2001' ambles West through Elmswell leading 4E62, the 04:57 Felixstowe - Leeds freightliner service" /> 09th August - Grand Central's Class 43, No.43123 hurries South through Arlesey, Bedfordshire heading for London Kings Cross with a delayed service - Cable theft in the Newark area the cause for several delays and cancellations to Grand Central and National Express services" /> 09th August - Advenza's Class 57, No.57005 heads South through Arlesey, Bedfordshire in typical British Summertime weather leading 6Z55, an 09:10 Ely Reception Sidings - Hitchin service conveying empty scrap wagons to Hitchin for loading - the train's final destination once the 12 'KEA' wagons are loaded is Cardiff Tidal. The train passes the camera in the region of 10 minutes behind schedule" /> 12th August - EWS Class 66, No.66187 passes Ingatestone in charge of the day's 6L27 EWS Intermodal service from Wembley to Harwich Parkeston Quay" /> 12th August - Freightliner's Class 86s, Nos.86614 and 86638 came to grief on the Great Eastern Mainline near Ilford when 86614 developed a fault whilst working 4L89, the 22:00 Coatbridge - Felixstowe North Intermodal service. The train made it as far as Brentwood on the 'Electric Lines' where it was declared a failure. National Express East Anglia's Class 90, No.90006 was the nearest available loco at Ilford EMUD which was promptly sent to assist the ailing train. Running as 0P99, 90006 made the short run to Shenfield where it reversed for the short run back to Brentwood to drag the ensemble to Ipswich Yard. The trio are pictured passing Ingatestone at 12:22, running nearly two hours behind schedule... " /> 13th August - Freightliner Class 66, No.66619 heads South through Cossington leading 6V94, the 07:35 Earles sidings - Theale loaded cement train which consists of 16 shiny 'JPA' LaFarge tanks with 4 rather less shiny 'PCA' cement tanks attached at the rear. The train slows to allow a Leicester bound passenger service to proceed from Syston Junction as the freight is running 15 minutes behind schedule" /> 13th August - Fastline Freight's Class 66, No.66301 heads North through Cossington leading 6D00, the 07:28 Daw Mill Colliery - Ratcliffe upon Soar Power Station loaded coal service - The train consisting of 21 loaded 'IIA' coal wagons and passing Cossington a shade ahead of schedule at 09:56" /> 13th August - EWS Class 66, No.66065 heads South through Cossington just a few minutes into its journey to East Anglia leading 6L39, the 10:18 loaded hopper service to Norwich Trowse. The train's journey made even more arduous this week due to an engineering blockade between Norwich and Attleborough which necessitates a run around in Ipswich Yard after travelling via Ely and Bury St Edmunds, after the run around is complete the train heads North through Stowmarket and Diss before reaching the unloading terminal at Trowse " /> 13th August - GBRf Class 66, No.66728 is currently on hire to Fastline to cover their coal diagrams to and from Daw Mill - Here the 'Barbie' liveried Class 66 heads North through Cossington leading 6D03, the 10:28 Daw Mill - Ratcliffe loaded coal diagram which consists of 21 loaded 'IIA' hoppers, the service passes Cossington at bang on 13:00 which makes it bang on time" /> 13th August - EWS Class 66, No.66130 heads North through Cossington leading 6M70, the 12:35 Chesterton Junction - Mountsorrel Self-Discharge Train. Complications at Chesterton Junction have resulted in today's working to remain half loaded before being sent back to Mountsorrel, and as such is seen passing Cossington some 3 hours earlier than expected" /> 17th August - Chiltern Railway's Class 168, No.168218 and Class 165, No.165004 hurry through Seer Green and Jordans forming 1G24, the 10:50 London Marylebone - Birmingham Snow Hill service" /> 17th August - Chiltern Railways Class 168, No.168112 leads Classmate 168111 through Saunderton forming 1G26, the 11:20 service from London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill" /> 17th August - Virgin Trains Class 57, No.57313 'TRACY ISLAND' accelerates through Saunderton leading 1Z40, the 11:00 additional service from London Euston - Wolverhampton, running via The Chilterns due to weekend engineering works. Complications in diagramming a Class 221 Voyager into London Euston resulted in Mk3 Set WB64 to be used on the service which has DVT 82101 on the rear" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

July 2008 - Part 2

Wed Jul 16 2008

Wednesday 16 July 2008: 16th July - Margaretting A brief visit to Margaretting for the ever reliable 4L89 18th July - Cossington and surrounding areas A day on the bridge at Cossington with two celebrity tugs putting in an appearance. 21st July - Peterborough, surrounding areas and the ECML A nice sunny day spent mainly in The Fens near Whittlesea with a brief trip over to Uffington, Stamford and then down to Hitchin via St.Neots for the new cement flow from Ketton to West Thurrock. 29th July - More Fenland action Another jaunt to The Fens for Celebrity Class 60, 60074 working the Ely - Peak Forest service, 37059 with a Stoneblower for Wymondham and finally over to Yaxley, on the ECML to the South of Peterborough for a GBRf convoy.

16th July - DVT 82112 leads 1P18, the 10:00 London Liverpool Street - Norwich service Northbound through Margaretting, note the remnants of the 'one' rainbow stripes are still present!" /> 16th July - Freightliner Class 86s, No.86604 leads 86627 North through Margaretting with 4L89, the 22:00 Coatbridge - Felixstowe freightliner service" /> 16th July - The Ilford test trips to Witham continue to provide interest inbetween the freights! - A friendly wave from the driver of 321307, leading National Express liveried Class 317, No.317714. The mixed duo are forming 5F96, the 10:22 Ilford EMUD - Witham testing run after the units have received modifications at Ilford" /> 18th July - Freightliner Class 66, No.66513 passes through Leicester leading 6V94, the 07:35 Earles Sidings - Theale loaded cement working consisting of 'PCA' tank wagons" /> 18th July - Freightliner Class 66, No.66545 passes Cossington, a few miles North of Leicester and a few miles South of Mountsorrel. The train is 6P20, the 07:35 Crewe Virtual Quarry - Mountsorrel empty ballast wagons which will be loaded at Mountsorrel before the train proceeds North from the loading terminal for the run back to Crewe" /> 18th July - EWS Class 66, No.66198 heads North through Cossington leading 6D32, the 08:14 Elstow - Mountsorrel empty LaFarge train " /> 18th July - East Midlands Trains liveried Class 222, No.222001 hurries South through Mountsorrel forming a London St Pancras bound service" /> 18th July - Fastline Freight's latest additions to the fleet, four Class 66/3's to work coal circuits from Daw Mill to Ratcliffe and Hatfield. Here Fastline liveried Class 66, No.66304 heads North through Cossington leading 6D03, the 10:28 Daw Mill - Ratcliffe loaded coal working, complete with matching wagons" /> 18th July - GBRf Barbie liveried Class 66, No.66726 hurries South through Cossington leading 4E80, the 13:15 Hotchley Hill - West Burton empty gypsum service. The train is diagrammed to pass Cossington twice in 90 minutes, in which time the loco runs around at Humberstone Road, just North of Leicester before proceeding North towards the destination of West Burton" /> 18th July - GBRf Class 66, No.66701 'Whitemoor' heads North through Cossington leading 6T78, the 11:30 Whitemoor - Mountsorrel service" /> 18th July - East Midlands Trains Class 43, No.43052 thunders North through Cossington leading a London St Pancras - Sheffield service" /> 18th July - Petroleum Sectored liveried Class 60, No.60054 'Charles Babbage' hurries South through Cossington leading 6M96, the 05:48 Margam - Corby loaded Steel Coil service" /> 18th July - Loadhaul liveried Class 60, No.60059 'Swinden Dalesman' charges Northbound through Cossington over an hour late leading 6M87, the 11:07 Ely Potter Group - Peak Forest service" /> 18th July - Freightliner Class 66, No.66581 'Sophie' hurries Northbound through Cossington leading 6Z92, the 10:49 West Thurrock - Earles empty cement train" /> 18th July - GBRf Class 66, No.66701 'Whitemoor' returns South through Cossington leading 6T79, the 17:11 Mountsorrel - Whitemoor loaded ballast service" /> 20th July - In connection with the Annual bicycle ride from London to Southend, National Express East Anglia provided two additional trains to convey the huge numbers of cyclists to the starting line near Stratford. The two trains were formed of three Class 315 EMUs, here the first additional - 1G01, the 06:28 Southend Victoria - Stratford service passes Brentwood in the region of 5 minutes ahead of schedule formed of 315860, 315806 and 315839. Note the destination blind displaying 'Special'. The second additional ran around 10 minutes later as 1G05, the 06:41 service from Southend Victoria to Stratford and was formed of 315817, 315818 and 315842" /> 21st July - EWS Class 67, No.67026 powers South through Kelvedon leading 1Z90, the heavily delayed 05:54 Colchester - Liverpool Lime Street charter in connection with the 'Tall Ships' event hosted at the Merseyside City. The charter is running nearly two hours behind schedule as the ECS (5Z90 04:17 Wembley Yard - Colchester) was delayed by 84' minutes in leaving Wembley Yard due to a derailment. The train suffered a 103' minute late start from Colchester but amazingly was only 11' late upon arrival in Liverpool. EWS Class 67, No.67003 tails the train" /> 21st July - EWS Class 66, No.66001 heads Eastbound through the Lincolnshire countryside near Uffington, Stamford leading 6L39, the 10:18 Mountsorrel - Norwich Trowse loaded aggregate service which runs thrice weekly. On this occasion the train is running around 10 minutes ahead of schedule and consists of 35 loaded 'PGA' 4-wheeled hoppers" /> 21st July - Arriva Cross Country liveried Class 170, No.170522 passes Australia Farm Crossing, near March forming the day's 11:25 departure from Stansted Airport to Birmingham New Street" /> 21st July - GBRf Class 66, No.66703 'Doncaster PSB 1981-2002' passes Australia Farm Crossing leading 6E60, the 13:02 Whitemoor - Tallington 'Tripper' service consisting of 8 flat wagons which will be loaded with sleepers at Tallington" /> 21st July - Loadhaul liveried Class 60, No.60059 'Swinden Dalesman' passes Australia Farm Crossing, March leading 6M87, the 11:35 Ely Potter Group - Peak Forest empty Cemex service consisting of a mixed rake 24 Ex-RMC 'JGA' hoppers and the newer Cemex 'HOA' version. The train is running in the region of 40 minutes behind schedule passing the quiet, gated crossing" /> 21st July - National Express East Coast Class 91, No.91103 drags classmate 91104 North through St.Neots as 0Z12, a Bounds Green - Doncaster West Yard move for maintenance" /> 21st July - Grand Central seem to have ironed out their initial teething troubles and now operate a full timetable on a daily basis, here Grand Central's 12:30 departure from Sunderland to London Kings Cross hurries South through St.Neots running around 40 minutes behind schedule and with 43065 leading the train" /> 21st July - EWS Class 66, No.66151 powers south through Great Wymondley, Hitchin leading the first Ketton - West Thurrock loaded cement service in connection with the building work involved in the forthcoming Olympics in 2012. The train runs as 6L00, 15:17 from Ketton on Mondays and Thursday and unusually travels via Welwyn Garden City, whereas the majority of other freight services run via the Hertford Loop. The train is running in the region of 65 minutes behind schedule as it passes the camera" /> 29th July - Cross Country's Class 170, No.170637 passes Australia Farm Crossing, March forming the days 08:24 departure from Birmingham New Street to Stansted Airport" /> 29th July - Freightliner Class 66, No.66530 hurries across The Fens at Australia Farm Crossing near March leading 6M14, the 10:20 Harlow Mill - Bardon Hill service, the train consists of 20 empty 'JGA' Bogie hoppers" /> 29th July - GBRf Class 66, No.66711 leads class mate 66725 'Sunderland FC' over Australia Farm Crossing forming a loco positioning move from Whitemoor to Peterborough" /> 29th July - EWS Class 66 No.66005 shatters the peace heading over Australia Farm Crossing near March leading 6M70, the 12:35 Chesterton Junction - Mountsorrel empty Self Discharge Train" /> 29th July - Metronet liveried Class 66, No.66720 'Metronet Pathfinder' leads 4E33, the 11:00 Felixstowe - Doncaster Railport Intermodal service" /> 29th July - EWS Class 60, No.60074 sporting a unique light blue livery in connection with The Teenage Cancer Trust passes Three Horse Shoes, March leading a delayed 6M87 Ely - Peak Forest empty bogie hopper service. The train suffered brake problems near Ely and is seen in the region of 60' minutes behind schedule approaching the signal box" /> 29th July - Passing Harts Drove, Whittlesea is Freightliner's 66505 leading 4L85, the 08:57 Leeds - Felixstowe Freightliner service" /> 29th July - DRS Class 37, No.37059 passes Harts Drove, Whittlesea leading 6Z37, an 09:25 Taunton - Wymondham move conveying Stoneblower DR80200 for maintenance at The Mid-Norfolk Railway" /> 29th July - National Express East Coast liveried Class 91, No.91111 passes Yaxley, to the South of Peterborough leading 1D41, the 16:35 London Kings Cross - Leeds NXEC service" /> 29th July - Grand Central's 16:50 departure from London Kings Cross - Sunderland passes Yaxley with 43080 at the helm" /> 29th July - First Capital Connect's Class 365, No.365516 hurries through Yaxley forming a London Kings Cross - Peterborough service with a classmate" /> 29th July - National Express East Coast's Class 43, No.43313 slows for the scheduled stop at Peterborough leading 1H30, the 17:20 London Kings Cross - Hull service" /> 29th July - 317348 and 317346 form one of First Capital Connect's faster services which operate during the morning and evening peak, the duo are forming 1P21, the 16:53 semi-fast service from London Kings Cross - Peterborough." /> 29th July - GBRf Class 66, No.66713 'Forest City' leads 73208 'Kirsten' and 73206 'Lisa' North through Yaxley forming 0H06, a 13:47 Tonbridge - Peterborough move. The move, which was originally to convey 66713 to Peterborough for maintenance started out with the 73s leading - However the 73s overheated in the Hitchin area so 66713 was revived to drag the duo North to Peterborough! " />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

July 2008 - Part 1

Tue Jul 1 2008

Tuesday 1 July 2008: 1st July - Newbie on 4M23 Just the one to kick things off, GBRf Newbie 66728 at Kelvedon. 10th July - Maxey Morning A quick visit to Maxey and the surrounding area to the North of Peterborough. 13th July - Hull Trains and Grand Central off-route! An hour near Meldreth for Grand Central and Hull Trains diverts during weekend engineering possessions on the ECML. 14th July - 67021 and ECS Just the one image to round off the collection, 67021 passing Kelvedon with an ECS move from Norwich to Old Oak Common.

1st July - With Summer foliage in full swing, recently delivered GBRf liveried Class 66, No.66728 heads South through Kelvedon leading a slightly delayed Felixstowe North - Hams Hall Intermodal service, the delay down to heat-related speed restrictions imposed on the line from Midday to Midnight" /> 10th July - EWS Class 67, No.67021 leads classmate 67020 South through Maxey, just to the North of Peterborough forming a Doncaster - Peterborough loco positioning move. The 'Skips' are utilising the 'Up Slow' line with the adjacent 'Up Fast' line being occupied by a National Express service to London Kings Cross" /> 10th July - Hull Trains Class 222, No.222102 powers South through Maxey forming 1A91, the 06:25 Hull - London Kings Cross, the service running non-stop to London Kings Cross from Grantham" /> 10th July - National Express DVT No.82213 rounds the bend towards Maxey Level Crossing leading an early morning express service to London Kings Cross" /> 10th July - National Express liveried Class 43, No.43367 (Formerly 43167) 'Deltic 50 1955-2005' hurries South towards Maxey Level Crossing leading the day's 07:00 departure from Hull, MTU fitted Class 43, No.43313 tails the service" /> 10th July - Over to Bainton, around a mile West of Helpston Junction where the line to Melton Mowbray and Leicester diverges from the ECML. EWS Class 66, No.66184 leads 6L95, the 07:12 Stud Farm - Marks Tey loaded stone service, the train consists of mainly 'MEA' wagons, however just visible towards the rear of the train is a rake of 5 'KEA/JNA' box wagons" /> 10th July - National Express East Anglia's Class 321, No.321303 hurries North through Tallington on the 'Down Fast' forming 5Z10, an 09:35 Ilford EMUD - Doncaster Wabtec move. First GBRf have been awarded this 3 year contract to transfer National Express East Anglia's Class 321 fleet from Ilford EMUD to Doncaster Wabtec for overhaul" /> 10th July - GBRf liveried Class 66, No.66702 'Blue Lightning' is seen heading away from the ECML at Helpston Junction and towards Bainton leading 6T78, the 11:30 Whitemoor - Mountsorrel empty ballast working " /> 10th July - During one of the few and far-between breaks in the clouds, EWS Class 66, No.66077 'Benjamin Gimbert GC' passes a small Farm Crossing near Bainton leading 6L39, the 10:18 Mountsorrel - Norwich Trowse loaded aggregate service. The path from Mountsorrel is utilised on a daily basis with the train visiting one of three unloading terminals in East Anglia" /> 13th July - Four of First Capital Connect's fleet of 40 Class 365 EMUs carry an advertising livery for various locations served by the TOC, one such example is 365540 which promotes the Garden Cities of Hertfordshire, the unit is seen accelerating away from the scheduled stop at Meldreth whilst forming 2C85, the 08:11 service from Cambridge to London Kings Cross" /> 13th July - 365536, named 'Rufus Barnes' leads a classmate South through Meldreth and towards Royston forming 1C84, the 08:28 First Capital Connect service from Cambridge to London Kings Cross" /> 13th July - Weekend Engineering works at several locations on the East Coast Mainline have resulted in Hull Trains diverting their services via Royston, Cambridge and Ely in order to reach Peterborough to continue the booked route to Hull, here Hull Trains Class 222 'Pioneer', No.222102 'Professor Stuart Palmer' hurries towards Meldreth Station forming 1H02, the 08:45 London Kings Cross - Hull service" /> 13th July - GBRf Class 66, No.66701 'Whitemoor' heads through Meldreth leading an engineers train bound for Whitemoor. Classmate 66708 tails the train, formed of a EWS 'VDA' van and a rake of 5 Long Welded Rail wagons" /> 13th July - Weekend Engineering works at several locations on the East Coast Mainline have resulted in Grand Central diverting their services via Royston, Cambridge and Ely in order to reach Peterborough to continue the booked route to Sunderland. Grand Central's 08:57 service from London Kings Cross to Sunderland passes Meldreth running around 3 minutes ahead of schedule with 43080 leading and 43123 trailing the 6-coach train" /> 13th July - EWS Class 66, No.66077 'Benjamin Gimbert GC' hurries through Meldreth leading another diverted service, 6H67, the Sundays Only Self-Discharge Train from Peterborough to Stevenage. Pathing constraints on the busy ECML during the week result in this service running on Sundays when passenger traffic is less frequent " /> 14th July - EWS Class 67, No.67021 charges South through Kelvedon leading 5Z45, an 09:05 Norwich Sidings - Old Oak Common ECS move following a steam charter to Scarborough during the previous weekend. The train was halted at Brickhouse, near Chelmsford due to a dragging brake on one of the Mk1 coaches, the train limped to Chelmsford where the offending Mk1 coach, No.3149 was shunted out of the rake and dumped in Chelmsford Lower Yard, the former Royal Mail Terminal and now LaFarge Terminal" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

June 2008 - Part 3

Sat Jun 21 2008

Saturday 21 June 2008: 21/06 - Cranmore Gala To commemorate 150 years since the opening of the East Somerset Railway between Witham and Shepton Mallet in 1858, the East Somerset Railway and MendipRail at nearby Merehed held a gala to celebrate the railways in Mendip, with several visitng locos attending. 27/06 - Three minutes at Kelvedon 60029 working 6V79 Marks Tey - Hayes through Kelvedon with EWS 90020 working a Norwich to London Liverpool Street express service hard on the heels of the Sand...

21st June - EWS Royal liveried Class 67, No.67005 'Queens Messenger' arrives at Westbury leading 2O72, the 09:09 Bristol Temple Meads - Weymouth Summer Saturdays Only diagram. In a bid to improve capacity on crucial routes during the Summer, First Great Western have employed this 5-coach train" /> 21st June - The gathered crowd for the Cranmore Gala at Westbury snap 67005 as the service departs for Weymouth. 67021 tails the service" /> 21st June - Merehead shunter Class 08, No.08032 in the attractive Yeoman livery ticks over near the entrance to Merehead " /> 21st June - Throughout the day, 9F No.92203 'Black Prince' was utilised to haul a demonstration freight weighing in at nearly 1000 tonnes" /> 21st June - On the other end of the 1000 ton freight train was Merehead's resident shunter, SW1001 No.44 'Western Yeoman II', an American 'Switcher' purpose built for Foster Yeoman" /> 21st June - Large Logo liveried Class 50, No.50049 'Defiance' stabled at the event " /> 21st June - From the Severn Valley Railway, 'Slugs' 37901 'Mirless Pioneer' and classmate 37906 are seen stabled at the event" /> 21st June - Hanson liveried Class 59, No.59101 'Village of Whatley' is seen stabled at the event" /> 21st June - BR Blue Class 08, No.08826 languishes in a siding at Merehead" /> 21st June - Hanson liveried Class 59, No.59104 'Village of Great Elm' is seen stabled at the event" /> 21st June - Complete with a 'Tonbridge Trailblazers' headboard, GBRf liveried Class 73, No.73204 'Alison' is seen stabled at the event with a sparkling 66731" /> 21st June - Freightliner Class 66, No.66623 'Bill Bolsover', in appropriate Bardon Aggregates livery is seen stabled at the event" /> 21st June - 37906, complete with snow ploughs is seen stabled near the running lines" /> 21st June - A trio of Class 59's stabled outside Merehead Maintenance shed. From Left to Right, 59104 'Village of Great Elm', 59103 'Village of Mells' and 59203 'Vale of Pickering'" /> 21st June - EWS liveried Class 59, No.59203 'Vale of Pickering' and EWS Class 60, No.60040 are seen stabled at the event, 60040 now carries DB Schenker and Army vinyls, it was recently named 'The Territorial Army Centenary' at York to celebrate just that!" /> 21st June - GBRf Class 66, No.66731, complete with buffer and wheel embellishments is seen stabled at the event with 73204" /> 21st June - 'Slug' 37901 'Mirless Pioneer' is started up during the afternoon" /> 21st June - Pathfinder Tours ran several 'shuttles' from Westbury to Cranmore on the East Somerset Railway where a heritage bus shuttle was in place to take enthusiasts to the main site at Merehead, here Yeoman liveried Class 59, No.59001 'YEOMAN ENDEAVOUR' arrives at Westbury forming 1Z20, the 09:50 service from Cranmore to Westbury, EWS provided Class 66, No.66200 which is at the tail of the train" /> 21st June - Yeoman liveried Class 59, No.59004 'PAUL A HAMMOND' is seen stabled at the event" /> 21st June - 59104 is seen from inside the maintenance shed where several sales stalls and Model Railway stands line the sides" /> 27th June - EWS Class 60, No.60029 'Clitheroe Castle' pounds South through Kelvedon leading 6V79, the 08:55 Marks Tey - Hayes, Middlesex loaded sand working, the train consists of 16 ex-RMC 'JGA' hoppers, with an 'EWS Construction' liveried 'HOA' in the middle" /> 27th June - EWS Class 90, No.90020 'Collingwood' follows closely behind 6V79 leading 1P17, the 08:00 Norwich - London Liverpool Street service" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

June 2008 - Part 2

Fri Jun 6 2008

Friday 6 June 2008: 06/06 - London Afternoon An afternoon visit to Kensington Olympia and Harrow and Wealdstone for 56311 working 4O90 to Thamesport! 07/06 - 13/08 - Cornwall 2008 The annual week in Cornwall staying in the converted Mk1 coach which is situated lineside at Hayle station, more details can be found here: http://www.railholiday.co.uk/ 15/06 - 17/06 - The Beds! A trip from London to Fort William via Devon and Cornwall!

6th June - Running in the region of 2 hours behind schedule, EWS Class 66, No.66154 trundles through Kensington Olympia leading 7L23, the 09:31 Dollands Moor - Dagenham TRANSFESA 'Blue Train', the train consists of 40 'IFA' wagons and the inital origin is Silla in Valencia, Spain" /> 6th June - EWS Class 92, No.92022 'Charles Dickens' roars through the centre road at Kensington Olympia leading another service which utilises the Channel Tunnel, 4M32, the 12:35 Dollands Moor - Trafford Park Intermodal service, the initial origin for this service is Piacenza, Italy" /> 6th June - EWS Class 66, No.66066 hurries towards the camera leading 6M44, the 12:30 Eastleigh yard - Wembley 'Enterprise' service. This train often has a varied mix of wagons for onward movement, in the event the train comprises of 6 TEA tanks which are used to transfer Calcium Carbonate from Quidhampton to Workington, and a number of EWS Intermodal wagons " /> 6th June - An unusual visitor to Kensington Olympia, First Capital Connect's Class 319, No.319454 approaches a red aspect in the middle road whilst forming 5Z20 Selhurst - Wolverton for a much needed overhaul" /> 6th June - EWS Class 92, No.92041 leads RETB fitted 67007 DIT Northbound through Harrow and Wealdstone leading 6X77, the 17:31 Wembley - Mossend 'Enterprise' service, the 92 was later to fail North of Tebay and had to be rescued by 60039" /> 6th June - Following a period of 56/3 failures, Fastline's latest acquisition - Class 56, No.56311 (Formerly Large Logo liveried 56057) thunders Southbound through Harrow and Wealdstone leading 4O90, the 13:36 Birch Coppice - Thamesport Intermodal service, the train passes Harrow and Wealdstone around 20 minutes behind schedule" /> 8th June - South West Trains retain a diagram to Penzance from London Waterloo on Sunday's, the return working, 1L68 13:50 Penzance - London Waterloo is pictured approaching Hayle formed of 159002. The unit joins with another from Paignton at Exeter St Davids before the run to London Waterloo via Honiton" /> 8th June - A fGW HST set, complete with an unrefurbished buffet car powers West over Hayle viaduct forming a late running afternoon service from London Paddington" /> 8th June - To provide more seats, especially during busy periods, Cross Country is returning five High Speed Trains to its routes, this provides an extra 842 seats across the fleet and an increase in luggage space. The first refurbished power cars are due to enter service in July, followed by the first complete set in September. Until then, XC are utilising Ex-Midland Mainline set XC04 to cover the diagram - 9V57 08:50 Edinburgh - Penzance and 9S66 08:30 Penzance � Dundee the following morning. The service, 9V57 is seen screaming over Hayle viaduct nearing journies end with Paxman Valenta engined 43184 leading and 43007 tailing the set. The diagram is recorded under a 'Class 9' headcode to alert signallers that such services cover long-distances therefore timeliness is essential to avoid delaying other local service on route" /> 8th June - A Cross Country Class 220 heads over Hayle Viaduct and Penpol Creek forming a Penzance to Plymouth service as the sun sets" /> 8th June - First Great Western's 'Night Riviera' sleeper service shatters the peace as it thunders over Hayle viaduct just a few minutes into it's eight hour journey, providing the horses at the front is 57604 'Pendennis Castle' - the service departs Penzance an hour earlier on a Sunday and so there is just enough light to capture the usually nocturnal working, 1A40 21:15 Penzance - London Paddington " /> 9th June - First Great Western's most recent colour scheme is adorned on Class 57, No.57602 'Restormel Castle', seen here arriving at Hayle leading 1C99, the London Paddington - Penzance 'Night Riviera' service" /> 9th June - In a bid to improve capacity on the Southampton/Portsmouth and Bristol/Cardiff routes, First Great Western have acquired a number of hired Class 150 units from Arriva Trains Wales - these transfers are to allow the reforming of Class 158 units into 3-car sets. Class 150, No.150231 clatters into Truro station forming 2A52, the 11:42 service from Penzance to Newton Abbot" /> 10th June - Class 57, No.57604, currently the only Class 57 to retain 'Great Western Green' livery returns to the Cornish Coast with 1C99, the 23:50 London Paddington - Penzance 'Night Riviera' service. The train is seen departing Hayle heading over Hayle's Foundry Square" /> 11th June - Class 153, No.153382 doubles up with 153305 forming 2C46, the 14:01 Plymouth - Penzance 'local' service" /> 12th June - First Great Western liveried Class 150, No.150219 approaches Hayle station forming 2P87, the 10:36 service from Penzance to Plymouth" /> 13th June - The once weekly freight to First Great Western's Long Rock depot near Penzance passes Hayle with 66162 in charge, the train runs as 6C21 13:14 Burngullow - Long Rock and comprises of 5 TTA tanks loaded with fuel. The loco returns soon after with empties from the previous week's turn to Burngullow for onward movement to Bescot via Tavistock Junction" /> 11th June - A London Paddington to Penzance service passes the quiet station of Lostwithiel" /> 15th June - EWS Class 59, No.59205 'L Keith McNair' passes Burnham leading 6W25, the 13:35 Hinksey to Ruscombe engineering train which ran via Southall. Out of sight on the rear is former Lickey Incline banker 66058" /> 15th June - 43079 races through Burnham leading a service from London Paddington to Swansea" /> 15th June - EWS Class 37s, No.37401 leads 37417 'Richard Trevithick' East through Burnham leading 5Z67, a Margam to Old Oak Common ECS move following a charter the previous day. The move left Margam some 50 minutes ahead of schedule but are seen passing Burnham around 10 minutes late due to problems at Standish Junction in the Gloucester area" /> 16th June - Beleive it or not, but this is Castle Cary Station at 02:35 on a Monday morning! - First Great Western's 'Night Riviera' sleeper service from Paddington occupies a platform having been diverted via Melksham, Westbury, Castle Cary and Honiton in order to reach Exter St Davids to resume the booked route to Penzance. More excitement was provided shortly before booked departure time from Paddington at 23:45 when 57605 'Totnes Castle' failed with an ETS fault, resulting in 57604 'Pendennis Castle' being scrambled from Old Oak Common to assist. 1C99 to Penzance is halted at the signal for another FGW Class 57, No.57603 to clear the single line section from Yeovil leading 1A40, the 22:00 Penzance to London Paddington 'sleeper' service" /> 16th June - 153370 stands at Liskeard after arrival from Looe" /> 16th June - 142028 stands at Paignton having arrived as 2T15, the 11:20 service from Exmouth. The unit will form 2F53, the 13:14 departure back to Exmouth" /> 16th June - 57604 'Pendennis Castle' and 57605 'Totnes Castle', still suffering from an Electric Train Supply fault are seen at Penzance soon after arrival from Long Rock. The train forms 1A40, the 22:00 'sleeper' service from Penzance to London Paddington. 57604 will work the train through to London where 57602 would join at the rear to drag the ensemble the short distance to Old Oak Common" /> 17th June - From Cornwall to Scotland! - First Scotrail's Class 170, No.170406 stands silent at Glasgow Queen Street" /> 17th June - EWS Class 67, No.67004 'Poste Haste' stands silent at Fort William prior to working 1B01, the 19:50 service to Edinburgh where the service joins with the 'sleeper' from Inverness to form 1M16 to London Euston. 67004 is one of five of the class to be fitted with RETB (Radio Electronic Token Block) signalling equipment for use on The West Highland Line " />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

June 2008 - Part 1

Sun Jun 1 2008

Sunday 1 June 2008: 05/06 - 2Q08 31459 and 31190 working an Ipswich - Ipswich test train via a number of Essex Termini...

5th June - 31459 'CERBERUS' passes Bradfield on the Harwich Town branch leading 2Q08, the 09:48 Ipswich SD - Ipswich SD test train which ran via Harwich Town, Colchester Town, Clacton-on-Sea and Walton-on-The-Naze. BR Green Class 31, No.31190/D5613 is as the rear of the train" /> 5th June - Retaining 'Great Eatern' livery, 321311 approaches Great Bentley with a service from Colchester to Walton-on-The-Naze " /> 5th June - 31459 'CERBERUS' powers through Great Bentley with 2Q08 heading for Clacton, the train is running in the region of 10 minutes late as it passes the small station due to problems with 31190 at Harwich International" /> 5th June - BR Green 31190/D5613 tails the train to Clacton-On-Sea" /> 5th June - Having visited Clacton, 2Q08 now makes it's way back to Colchester for a run to Colchester Town and Walton on The Naze, the train passes Frating AHB near Weeley making a right racket!" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

May 2007 - Part 2

Fri May 16 2008

Friday 16 May 2008: 17/05 - Diverted 4M87 Just the one to kick things off for the end of May, 66540 passing a very damp Stowmarket with a diverted 4M87! 19/05 - Double headed DRS 57s! A flying visit to Hatfield Peverel, namely for DRS machines 57009 and 57010 with a Stoneblower move, also included are a few other suprises! 21/05 - GEML A nice sunny day in East Anglia so a selection of pics from Rivenhall, Manningtree, the Harwich Branch and Stowmarket... 23/05 - Fastline Coal hopper move A brief visit to Watton-At-Stone for 66719 leading a rake of brand new Fastline Coal hopper wagons from Wembley to Doncaster. 24/05 - ECML Variety A morning spent at Tempsford, near Sandy on the ECML for a diverted Caledonian Sleeper and a selection of Charters... 31/05 - The Welsh Mountaineer 37401 and 37417 working The Welsh Mountaineer railtour from Peterborough to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

17th May - Freightliner Class 66, No.66540 'Ruby' passes Lancaster's Crossing, Stowmarket with 4M87, the 08:48 Felixstowe South - Crewe Basford Hall 'freightliner' service. Weekend engineering work on the West Coast Main Line resulted in the diversion of this service over the Cross Country route via Ely and Peterborough as opposed to the normal route via the GEML, London and the WCML" /> 19th May - Cotswold Rail liveried Class 47, No.47813 'John Peel' rattles South along the GEML forming 0F03, the 14:40 Colchester - Shenfield loco positioning move, in the event of a peak-time train failure in London Liverpool Street, the 'Thunderbird' can easily assist the failed train minimising delays to passengers, the 47 is in the region of 10 minutes behind schedule as it passes through Hatfield Peverel" /> 19th May - Freightliner Class 66, No.66502 hurries North through Hatfield Peverel leading 4L93, the 10:08 Lawley Street - Felixstowe South 'Freightliner' service - Note driver MS in the second man's seat snapping me, snapping him!!" /> 19th May - National Express East Anglia's Class 90, No.90006 'Roger Ford / Modern Railways Magazine' sporting the interim colour scheme heads South through Hatfield Peverel leading a single Mk3 coach forming 5V91, a Norwich Crown Point - Ilford Wheel Lathe move, the Mk3 is going to Ilford for 'tyre turning' and such workings are rarely seen in daylight hours!" /> 19th May - Returning to old stomping grounds, albeit in a different guise, DRS 'Compass liveried' Class 57s, No.57009 and 57010 trundle North through Hatfield Peverel leading DR80301, a Pandrol Jackson 'YZA' stoneblower. The working, 6Z57 12:00 Ashford CS - Wymondham MNR is to transfer DR80301 to the Mid-Norfolk Railway for maintenance and passes the station in the region of 15 minutes behind schedule" /> 21st May - EWS liveried Class 60, No.60029 'Clitheroe Castle' shatters the early morning peace as it trundles Northbound through Rivenhall, Witham leading 6L30, the 03:30 Acton yard - Harwich Parkeston Quay service consisting of 16 'JNA' bogie hoppers loaded with sand. The service is around 60 minutes behind schedule due to an engineering possession overrun in the Willesden Junction area, a pleasant suprise having arrived just a few minutes prior!" /> 21st May - Running some 30 minutes early, Freightliner Class 66, No.66587 hurries North through Rivenhall leading 4L95, the 23:00 Ditton - Felixstowe North service" /> 21st May - NC03, currently the only set which carries the National Express colours passes Rivenhall with 1P04, the 06:25 London Liverpool Street - Norwich service, the train is seen accelerating away from the scheduled stop at Witham with DVT 82107 leading the set" /> 21st May - Freightliner Class 90, No.90016 hurries North through Rivenhall leading 4R98, the 05:13 Tilbury - Felixstowe North service" /> 21st May - Freightliner Class 66, No.66587 heads North through Manningtree leading 4L95, the 23:00 Ditton - Felixstowe North service. The service is booked for a layover in Colchester Yard until there is sufficient space in Ipswich Yard to accomodate the service before heading down the branch to Felixstowe. The train passes Manningtree at 10:06, over 10 hours into it's journey from Cheshire to Suffolk" /> 21st May - Freightliner Veterans 86632 and 86610 pass Manningtree leading 4L89, the 22:00 Coatbridge - Felixstowe North Freightliner service - Another epic journey from Lanarkshire to Suffolk, taking around 15 hours from origin to destination - In the event, the service is seen running around 40 minutes behind schedule approaching Manningtree Station" /> 21st May - National Express Class 90, No.90007 is seen passing Bradfield on the Harwich Town branch, sadly not on a 'Boat Train', but an ECS move - The train is forming 5G81, the 13:52 Harwich Parkeston Quay - London Liverpool Street, the set having worked to Harwich in the morning as 5G80 (09:24 from London Liverpool Street), a welcome addition to the diet of Class 321 and 360 EMUs which ply the route hourly..." /> 21st May - Now in Suffolk, Freightliner Class 66, No.66576 'Hamburg Sud Advantage' eases 4L85, the 08:57 Leeds - Felixstowe North service South towards Lancaster's Crossing running in the region of 20 minutes ahead of schedule" /> 21st May - GBRf 'Barbie' liveried Class 66, No.66726 heads South towards Lancaster's Crossing, Stowmarket leading 6A33, the 14:37 North Walsham - Harwich Parkeston Quay serivce, the train consists of 18 loaded 'Gas Condensate' TEA tankers, which were built in 2001 by Marcroft. The service departed North Walsham some 47 minutes late and is seen here running in the region of 40 minutes behind schedule, which, after several failed attempts to capture this working is most acceptable!" /> 23rd May - First Capital Connect liveried Class 313, No.313038 clatters into Watton-At-Stone, Herts forming 2J50, the 13:50 Letchworth Garden City - Moorgate GN service. The small station, situated between Hertford North and Stevenage on the 'Hertford Loop' receives an hourly service formed of these units which were built in 1976-1977 at York" /> 23rd May - Freightliner Class 66, No.66538 shatters the peace as it speeds Northbound through Watton-At-Stone leading 4E24 the 10:39 Thamesport - Leeds Freightliner service. The 'Hertford Loop' is utilised as a diversionary route when the ECML is closed, the loop also sees the majoriry of freight services which cannot be accomodated on the busy Southern section of the East Coast Mainline" /> 23rd May - GBRf/Metronet liveried Class 66, No.66719 'METRO-LAND' heads North through Watton-At-Stone leading 4Z80, the 13:40 Wembley - Doncaster Fastline Coal hopper transit move. The train consists of eleven as-yet unbranded 102-tonne 'IIA' hoppers which are destined for use on the Daw Mill to Ratcliffe Fastline Coal circuit. As the service passes Watton-At-Stone running behind the hourly passenger service to Stevenage, it is running in the region of 15 minutes behind schedule" /> 23rd May - One of the as-yet unbranded 102-tonne 'IIA' hoppers which are destined for use on the Daw Mill to Ratcliffe Fastline Coal circuit" /> 24th May - EWS Class 66, No.66116 heads North through Tempsford on the 'Down Slow' leading 4E28, the 03:33 Tilbury - Wakefield Europort Intermodal service" /> 24th May - The closure of the WCML for weekend engineering works resulted in the diversion of the Southbound Caledonian Sleepers via the East Coast Mainline, here EWS liveried Class 90, No.90026 hurries South through Tempsford leading 1M16, the 20:38 Inverness - London Euston sleeper service running 17 minutes ahead of schedule" /> 24th May - EWS Class 67, No.67020 hurries through Tempsford on the fast line leading 1Z56, the 08:18 London Kings Cross - York charter" /> 24th May - An FCC 365 passes Tempsford crossing forming a service from London Kings Cross to Peterborough" /> 24th May - 43110 shatters the peace thundering South through Tempsford leading 1A16, the 07:44 Harrogate - London Kings Cross National Express service" /> 24th May - Hull Trains most recent addition to the fleet, albeit on an 'On-hire' basis whilst Pioneer 222103 is Out of Service - Ex-First Great Western Class 180 'Adelante' No.180111 - The unit is seen charging South through Tempsford forming 1A92, the 08:02 Hull - London Kings Cross service" /> 24th May - EWS Silver liveried Class 67, No.67029 'Royal Diamond' hurries South through Tempsford leading 1Z40, the 07:50 Hull - London Kings Cross 'Footex' in conjunction with today's Play-off Final between Hull and Bristol City at Wembley, the train is formed of a uniformed rake of Ex-Virgin Mk2 coaches and passes the crossing in the region of 10 minutes ahead of projected timings" /> 24th May - Hot on the heels of 1Z40, EWS liveried Class 67, No.67001 thunders South through Tempsford leading another 'Footex', 1Z44, the 08:24 Hull - London Kings Cross service. Royal Skip No.67005 'Queen's Messenger' tails the service as it heads to the Capital running around 20 minutes late" /> 31st May - Freightliner Class 66, No.66542 passes through Platform 4 at Peterborough leading 4E58, the 02:03 Felixstowe - Leeds freightliner service" /> 31st May - First Capital Connect's Class 365, No.365509 enters Platform 3 at Peterborough forming an ECS move from Peterborough Nene Sidings, in order to access the platforms the units must travel to Eastfield Yard to the North of the actual station to reverse" /> 31st May - Kingsfisher Railtours ran 'The Welsh Mountaineer' railtour from Peterborough to Blaenau Ffestiniog, with haulage in the form of EWS Class 37s, No.37401 and 37417 'Richard Trevithick' - The duo are seen arriving into Platform 2 at Peterborough after running around the stock which was transferred from Old Oak Common the previous night" /> 31st May - EWS Class 37, No.37401 and 37417 prepare to depart Peterborough with 'The Welsh Mountaineer', 1Z37, the 05:50 Peterborough - Blaenau Ffestiniog charter service" /> 31st May - After a storming run up to Grantham, the EWS Class 37s are pictured in Platform 4 for a passenger pick up, and to let an EWS Intermodal pass!" /> 31st May - 'The Welsh Mountaineer' railtour causes quite a stir during a pathing stop at Stafford" /> 31st May - EWS Class 37s, No.37401 and 37417 are pictured at Llandudno Junction prior to a run around before heading down the Blaenau Ffestiniog branch " /> 31st May - Having reached Llandudno Junction after a run via Grantham, Nottingham, Burton, Stafford and Crewe, the EWS tractors storm away from Llandudno Junction whilst running around the stock to proceed towards the charter's destination of Blaenau Ffestiniog" /> 31st May - In fine fettle, the EWS tractors storm away from Llandudno Junction whilst running around the stock to proceed towards the charter's destination to Blaenau Ffestiniog" /> 31st May - Having reached Blaenau Ffestiniog, 37401 and 37417 run around the stock via a very short headshunt which used to serve the now disued Transfynydd Power Station" /> 31st May - The Trainon Bar in the consist of 'The Welsh Mountaineer' railtour is pictured at Blaenau Ffestiniog with one of the many slate mountains as the backdrop" /> 31st May - Arriva Trains Wales Class 150, No.150254 pauses at Blaenau Ffestiniog prior to working 2D17, the 14:52 service to Llandudno Junction" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

May 2008 - Part 1

Thu May 1 2008

Thursday 1 May 2008: 01/05 - 6L27 Just the one photo to kick things off for May, 66027 leading the Thursdays Only Wembley - Harwich Enterprise trip through Margaretting. 02/05 - Lymington Slammer Action! A fantastic afternoon out to sunny Hampshire to sample Slammer 1498 on the Lymington branch. Huge thanks to South West Train's finest Guard, Steve Clark and to the Bournemouth based Drivers for their hospitality this afternoon! 06/05 - Sunny Suffolk A few shots from a few hours down the branch, namely for 66423 which is currently on-hire to Freightliner. 08/05 - Out and about A few images from the local area featuring 66023 at Bradfield and 66502 near Stowmarket.

02nd May - Bournemouth based Driver Martin Sanders applies the 'Lymington Flyer' headboard to 1498 at Brockenhurst prior to departure with 1J35, the 14:29 Brockenhurst - Lymington Pier service" /> 02nd May - Class 421 No.498 stands silent at Lymington Pier after arrival from Brockenhurst. The Slammer, built in 1963 works alongside Blue and Grey liveried compatriot 1497 on the Brockenhurst - Lymington Pier shuttles with an impressive 30 minute service frequency" /> 02nd May - Complete with the 'Lymington Flyer' headboard, South West Train's Bournemouth based driver Martin Sanders and Bournemouth based Guard Steve Clark pose against 'Heritage' BR Green liveried Slammer 1498 'Farringford' at Lymington Pier after arriving as 1J37, the 14:59 service from Brockenhurst to Lymington Pier" /> 02nd May - Perhaps the most commonly photographed stretch of the branch is the small section between Lymington Town and Lymington Pier where the line borders Lymington Marina. Amongst the impressive display of no doubt expensive marine machinery, the slammer slows for the stop at Lymington Town with 1J42, the 16:14 service from Lymington Pier to Brockenhurst. The Lymington branch is the only stretch of track in the UK to retain such stock in revenue earning service, and with views such as this available it remains popular with enthusiasts" /> 6th May - Freightliner Class 66, No.66577 powers away from Felixstowe, passing the fields of Trimley St Martin leading 4M94 to Lawley Street, Birmingham" /> 6th May - GBRf/Metronet liveried Class 66, No.66719 leads 66717 'Good Old Boy' towards Felixstowe to undertake the weeks duties hauling liners to Hams Hall and Doncaster" /> 6th May - Freightliner Class 66, No.66541 heads towards Felixstowe with a lightly loaded liner to the Port" /> 6th May - Currently on-hire to Freightliner, DRS liveried Class 66, No.66423 heads to Felixstowe light engine as 0B91, the 12:46 Ipswich - Felixstowe loco positioning move. The 'Dred' will work 4M41 to Daventry, albeit only as far as Ipswich Yard where electric traction will take over" /> 6th May - 66516 heads towards Felixstowe, passing Thorpe Lane Level Crossing, Trimley with another train of flats, as is the norm on a Monday (or a Tuesday after a Bank Holiday!) - a number of rakes of flats are conveyed to Felixstowe from Ipswich Yard to be loaded and sent out to various destinations across the UK" /> 6th May - 90010 heads South towards Stowmarket, passing Lancaster's Crossing leading 1P41, the 14:00 Norwich - London Liverpool Street service" /> 8th May - EWS liveried Class 66, No.66023 powers through Bradfield on 'The Mayflower Line' near Mistley leading 6L27, the 10:30 Wembley - Harwich Parkeston Quay 'Enterprise' service. This train runs daily, however Thursday's train also consists of a small rake of 'TTA' tanks which are tripped locally from Harwich to Ipswich later in the afternoon for use by Freightliner locomotives. A small gap in the foliage allows the enthusiast to witness activity across the estuary on the Great Eastern Main Line!" /> 8th May - 90011 ascends Belstead Bank heading South leading 1P47, the 13:00 Norwich - London Liverpool Street service" /> 8th May - The unique Railfreight Distribution liveried 90036 continues to ply the Great Eastern Mainline on long-term hire to National Express East Anglia, the Class 90 heads South through Stowmarket leading 1P43, the 14:30 Norwich - London Liverpool Street service" /> 8th May - EWS liveried Class 90, No.90028 follows on half an hour behind 90036 leading 1P45, the 15:00 Norwich - London Liverpool Street service. The service is 'On-time' as it passes Lancaster's Crossing, Stowmarket, arriving into London Liverpool Street some 11 minutes late after signalling problems on the route " /> 8th May - Freightliner Class 66, No.66502 'Basford Hall Centenary 2001' hurries South through Stowmarket leading 4L85, the 08:57 Leeds - Felixstowe freightliner service. The original plan was to photo the GBRf hauled condensate tanks here, in the event, the train from North Walsham being cancelled!" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

End of April 2008

Sat Apr 26 2008

Saturday 26 April 2008: 26/04 - The Grays-Church Elegy Pathfinder Tours today ran 'The Grays-Church Elegy' railtour from Crewe to London Fenchurch Street, then out to the Thames Haven Refinery in Essex. With haulage in the form of 37401 and 37417 the charter was pictured at South Tottenham, Limehouse and two locations on the Thames Haven branch. Thanks to JB for being taxi. 28/04 - Stowmarket Session A short stint in Suffolk for a supposed Test Train which failed to materialise after a false start from Derby. Nevertheless 90036 and 90028 put in an appearance as well as a couple of 66s. Also one from Trimley. 29/04 - Zeds and Queues?! Hatfield Peverel, briefly for 6Z57 and 1Q14. 30/04 - Shenfield Serco 37059 leading 1Q14 through Shenfield towards Southend Victoria with 37038 on the rear.

26th April - In the early morning sunlight, Freightliner Class 66, No.66573 heads North through Margaretting, Essex with 4L95, the 23:00 Ditton - Felixstowe North Freightliner service. Having travelled through the night the service eventually arrives at Felixstowe some 11 hours after setting off from Ditton" /> 'Richard Trevithick and 37401 run off the chord from Seven Sisters and into South Tottenham station leading 'The Grays-Church Elegy' railtour - 1Z37, the 06:00 Crewe - London Fenchurch Street" /> 28th April - Fresh from a 'C Exam' at Crewe, the unique Railfreight Distribution liveried EWS Class 90, No.90036 works North through Stowmarket as 0P98 heading to Norwich Crown Point from Wembley Yard via Ilford EMUD! 90036 will act as a replacement for First Scotrail liveried 90021 which was on-hire to National Express East Anglia whilst 90036 was away" /> 'Valour' heads South through Lancaster's Crossing, Stowmarket forming 0P40, a loco positioning move from Peterborough to Harwich Parkestone Quay. The 66 will undertake duties working the Harwich - North Walsham - Harwich Condensate tank trips as required throughout the week" /> 29th April - EWS Class 66, No.66250 works hard heading South through Hatfield Peverel with 6Z57, the 13:05 Ipswich West Bank - Watford Yard loaded sand working comprising of VTG 'PGA' hoppers with 3 Ex-RMC 'JGA' wagons thrown in for good measure! - The train originates from Acton Yard and heads to Ipswich West Bank early morning to be loaded with sand - with trains to Watford initially originating from Wool, Dorset, such a switch in source makes for a pleasant change. The working is seen seconds prior to the ever elusive sun going behind a cloud as the 66 and train head towards Watford Yard on-time after a spell in Witham 'Up Loop' " /> 29th April - The Serco/Network Rail Test Train is scheduled to visit East Anglia and surrounding areas several times per year hauled by DRS Class 37s. Originating from Derby RTC heading to Norwich, the train travelled via Peterborough, Cambridge, London Liverpool Street and the Great Eastern Main Line to reach it's destination, DRS Class 37, No.37059 leads 1Q14 (08:59 from Derby) North through Hatfield Peverel at speed running around 15 minutes behind schedule with fellow Class 37, No.37038 on the rear. The train was noted passing Brentwood at 14:45, making for impressive timings as the train passes Hatfield Peverel just 12 minutes later! " /> 30th April - DRS Class 37, No.37059 pauses briefly in Platform 5 at Shenfield leading 1Q14, the 07:20 Norwich - Ilford EMUD Serco which ran via London Liverpool Street, Southend Victoria and Wickford (To test the track over Mountnessing Junction). As the train makes it's second out of four appearances at Shenfield it is running in the region of 25 minutes behind schedule" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

April 2008 - Part 2

Wed Apr 16 2008

Wednesday 16 April 2008: 19/04 - Hants Haunts A very dreary day in Hampshire for 'The Wey-farer' charter hauled by DRS Class 20s and a Hooton to Poole excursion in the hands of WSMR liveried Class 67s. On the way back a quick stop of at Apsley for 66417 'on-hire' to Freightliner working 4M87...Ta JB 25/04 - Marks Tey Morning A brief spell lineside near Marks Tey for whatever came along, highlight in the form of 57009 with a stoneblower drag!

19th April - Standing silent alongside Eastleigh station prior to taking engineering trains to various worksites are GBRf locos 66702 'Blue Lightning', 73208 'Kirsten', 73206 'Lisa' and 66707 'Sir Sam Fay'." /> 25th April - 360115, currently the only member of the fleet to carry National Express livery passes Marks Tey with 1N29, the 08:15 Clacton-on-Sea - London Liverpool Street service" /> 'Harry Beck' powers South through Marks Tey with 4M23, the 10:59 Felixstowe North - Hams Hall service" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

April 2008 - Part 1

Tue Apr 1 2008

Tuesday 1 April 2008: 04/04 - Three Horse Shoes, March A few hours lineside on the Ely - Peterborough line near Three Horse Shoes signalbox which is situated between March and Whittlesea. 05/04 - Marks Tey A brief stint lineside in the Marks Tey area for the diverted Leeds liner and 66085 on the intermittent Saturday working from Marks Tey to Hayes. 08/04 - Scotrail in Anglia! A brief visit to Hatfield Peverel for the latest EWS machine to be hired by National Express East Anglia, First Scotrail liveried 90021! - A few freights thrown in for good measure! 09/04 - Wales Boyo! A morning at Newport with some of the finest number crunchers to see what was floating about!

4th April - 158773 passes Three Horse Shoes, March forming 1L06, the 07:40 Sheffield - Norwich service operated by East Midlands Trains" /> 'Golden Jubilee' heads West past Three Horse Shoes signal box with a rake of loaded ballast wagons heading from Whitemoor to Peterborough Yard" /> 'Derek W. Johnson MBE' passes Three Horse Shoes box with 6M14, the 10:20 Harlow Mill - Bardon Hill working comprising of 20 empty BARDON 'JGA' hoppers" /> 'Driver Steve Dunn (George)' heads West with 6M19, the 11:20 Kennett - Dowlow 'As Required Fridays Only service" /> 'Swinden Dalesman' thunders West through Three Horse Shoes at the head of 6M87, the 11:35 Ely Potter Group - Peak Forest empty bogie hopper service. Comprising of a mixed rake of RMC 'JGA' hoppers and the new CEMEX 'HOA' version, the train was noted passing Ely North Junction some 26 minutes early but as it passes the camera the service is around 30 minutes behind schedule after a spell in March Loop to allow a Stansted Airport - Birmingham New Street 'Cross Country' service to pass" /> 'Golden Jubilee' passes Three Horse Shoes with another service from Whitemoor - 6E60, the 13:02 Whitemoor - Tallington 'Departmental' service, todays train comprising entirely of 'flats', albeit two different types" /> 5th April - DVT 82133 leads the 06:30 London Liverpool Street - Norwich service North through Marks Tey with EWS Class 90, No.90036 providing the power from the rear" /> 'Hanjin Express / Senator Express' powers Northbound through Marks Tey with a diverted 4L83 Leeds - Felixstowe Freightliner, enginnering work on the usual Cross Country route near Bury St Edmunds resulted in this diversion via the lower ECML, London and the GEML" /> 08th April - 321315 leads 321441 and 321428 through Hatfield Peverel forming 5V99, a Witham - Ilford EMUD testing run after modifications to the units" /> 09th April - Identity Crisis at Newport!?" /> 'Spirit of Jaguar' throbs through the centre road at Newport with 6B64, the 08:10 Cardiff Tidal - Newport ADJ trip working, todays train diverted via East Usk Yard to perform a run around due to a points failure in the ADJ area" /> 'ABP - Port of Grimsby and Immingham' passes Newport with 6B13 05:10 Robeston Oil Refinery - Westerleigh loaded bogie tank working, the train formed of 26 'TEA' tanks in red MURCO livery" /> 12th April - Celebrating 50 years since the production of the Class 40, 40145 'East Lancashire Railway' was utilised to haul 'The East Anglian' charter on April 12th 2008. Complete with appropriate headboard, the BR Large Logo liveried 'Whistler' makes a spirited run through Shenfield leading 1Z40, the 05:15 Birmingham International - Lowestoft charter. The train was booked through Platform 5 at Shenfield to allow a Norwich bound express to pass, however some slow running on the North London Line meant the tour was around 10 minutes late at Stratford, resulting in the charter running on the 'Down Main Line' and through Platform 3 at Shenfield " />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

End of March 2008

Fri Mar 28 2008

Friday 28 March 2008: 28/03 - Newport and Didcot Some highlights from these two stations including Deltic22 on a Heywood - Old Oak Common light engine move...Ta DN for a top day out! 29/03 - Saturday Tug 60079 on a Marks Tey - Hayes Saturday working, pictured just south of Marks Tey.

28th March - 09017, unofficially named 'Leo' trundles East through Newport forming 0F03 from Newport Alexandra Dock Junction to Llanwern to collect steel wagons, the return working being 8F03 from Llanwern" /> 'Port of Grimsby & Immingham', another of the class which sports a '40B' shedplate heads through the centre roads with 6B03 Trostre-Llanwern " /> 'Pongo' pauses at Alexandra Dock Junction inbetween shunting duties" /> 'Royal Scots Grey' arrives at Didcot Parkway bang on time forming 0Z46 from Heywood to Old Oak Common in preparation for a charter in the Wales area" /> 29th March - 66725 'Sunderland FC' leads 66710 South through Marks Tey forming 0E06, a Felixstowe - Peterborough loco positioning move, diverted via the GEML and the ECML due to an engineering blockade between Haughley Junction and Bury St Edmunds" /> 'Foinaven' (Named only on one side!) heads South through Marks Tey forming 6V79, the 09:55 Marks Tey - Hayes loaded Sand service utilising 18 Ex-RMC 'JGA' bogie hoppers, the train is around 15 minutes late as it accelerates away from the terminal and heads 'Up' the GEML towards West London" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

Whitemoor

Sat Jan 1 2000

Saturday 1 January 2000: During an official visit in 2005... Please note that the complex is Railway Property therefore admittance is strictly prohibitied. Thanks to GBRf for their hospitality.

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

March 2008 - Part 2

Sun Mar 16 2008

Sunday 16 March 2008: 21/03 - Good Friday Festivities With the Easter blockades in full force and the WCML shut for engineering upgrades, the Mossend Yard to Dollands Moor 'Silver Bullet' train was diverted via the ECML with 92026 at the helm, also inlcuded in this update is the DRS Stobart Pullman and various ECML usuals... 23/03 - Let it Snow! A brief visit to a very snowy Hatfield Peverel on Easter Sunday! 25/03 - Tempsford Tuesday Another visit to Sunny Bedfordshire at Tempsford Crossing for Steam and Stoneblowers. 27/03 - Heritage 4M87 86612 and 86627 on todays 4M87, pictured just South of Marks Tey.

21st March - A female driver takes charge of Grand Central's 08:04 London Kings Cross - Sunderland service as it passes through Sandy, Bedfordshire" /> 'Stobart Pullman' headboard, DRS liveried Class 47, No.47501 leads classmate 47802 through Sandy with 1Z40, the 08:18 London Kings Cross - Edinburgh Waverley 'Easter West Highlander' railtour - The train has just switched from the 'Down Slow' to the 'Down Fast' line" /> 'Britten' in charge some 270 minutes behind schedule!" /> 23rd March - 360104 and classmate 360114 arrive in a snowstorm at Hatfield Peverel forming 1F06, the 10:00 Ingatestone - Colchester service on Easter Sunday" /> 25th March - Freight services on the lower ECML South of Peterborough are sparse, however one such working to utilise the route is 6E52, the 01:51 Cardiff Tidal - Hitchin train comprising of JNA Scrap wagons, here 66050 heads North through Tempsford between Sandy and St.Neots with the aforementioned Tuesdays Only service. The complex track layout at Hitchin necessitates a lengthy diversion to Peterborough Yard where the loco changes end for the run back South where access to the terminal is simpler" /> 'Whitemoor' leads classmates 66707 'Sir Sam Fay' and 66727 South through Tempsford forming a Whitemoor - Hoo Junction positioning move" /> 'Bittern' creates a smokescreen as it chuffs its way North through Tempsford forming 5Z19, the 04:30 departure from The Mid-Hants Railway, Alton to The North Yorkshire Moors Railway in Grosmont" /> 27th March - Retaining the now obsolete 'one' Railways stripes, 170205 heads South through Marks Tey forming 1D07, the 10:58 Lowestoft - London Liverpool Street service" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

March 2008 - Part 1

Sat Mar 1 2008

Saturday 1 March 2008: 01/03 - Nene Valley Railway Spring Diesel Gala A great day out between Peterborough and Yarwell on the ever-popular NVR for their Spring Diesel Gala, highlight in the form of FCC's 03179! - Ta JB for being taxi today. 14/03 - ECML Morning A brief visit to the ECML near Sandy to catch the Grand Central HST heading South to The Capital. 15/03 - The Choppington Changer Pathfinder Tours ran their first 'Spin and Win' charter of 2008, visiting freight only and diversionary lines in the North-East of England with haulage in the form of Class 56/3, Class 60, Class 66/4 and two different Class 92s for the run up and down from London Kings Cross to Doncaster RMT.

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

February 2008 - Part 2

Fri Feb 15 2008

Friday 15 February 2008: 22nd Feb - GEML 60 A quick update from Hatfield Peverel of 60090 with 6V17 to Acton, plus a couple of shots of de-branded stock prior to next weeks launch of National Express East Anglia. 23rd Feb - ECML Action An hour lineside on the ECML at Church End, Arlesey for 86101 heading to Doncaster and the Grand Central HST heading for Kings Cross. 27th February - Goodbye 'one', Hello National Express! A selection of photos from a pleasant morning lineside near Marks Tey capturing various GEML movements including 90003 with the National Express stock heading to Liverpool Street for the official launch of 'National Express East Anglia', then over to Bradfield for 360115 in full 'NXEA' livery!

22nd February The now de-branded 360104 leads another which retains vinyls through Hatfield Peverel forming 1N39, the 12:50 Clacton on Sea - London Liverpool Street service" /> 'Quinag' trundles South through Hatfield Peverel with 6V17, the 12:48 Harwich Parkeston Quay - Acton Yard service " /> 23rd February - First Capital Connect's 365525 leads 365535 forming 1P66, the 08:45 Peterborough - London Kings Cross service through Arlesey" /> 'Sir William A Stanier FRS' provides the power for 1G03 as it races Northbound a few minutes ahead of schedule" /> 'Newark On Trent' propells 1A17 through Arlesey a few minutes early" /> 24th February - Devoid of all 'one' brandings, 317670 is seen stabled at Hertford East station" /> 26th February - Following the hourly service to Braintree, 66156 passes Hatfield Peverel with a fully loaded 4L27, the 04:49 Trafford Park - Harwich Parkeston Quay - Felixstowe EWS Intermodal service" /> 27th February - EWS Class 90, No.90035 which is currently on hire to National Express East Anglia passes Marks Tey with 1P19, the 08:30 Norwich - London Liverpool Street service" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

February 2008 - Part 1

Fri Feb 1 2008

Friday 1 February 2008: 1st and 2nd - On Tour! A two-day stint 'On Tour' in The Midlands visiting Toton and Stenson Junction on a bitterly cold morning and on the 2nd February, a day out on board Pathfinder's 'Buffer Puffer 6.0' Railtour which ran from London Bridge - Kings Cross via several London termini with 37401 and 37422 providing the power. 06th February - Stratford SERCO A short visit to Stratford after work for DRS 37s on a SERCO and Petroleum Sectored 60054! 08th February - 60 on 6M53 60076 on the Chelmsford to Mountsorrel SDT passing Harold Wood, luckily the train was routed via the Electric lines as I'd hoped!! 12th February - DRS/Eddie Stobart Pullman launch 47712 and 47802 today worked a London Victoria - Fareham special to mark the launch of the DRS/Eddie Stobart Pullman.

1st February - Ex-RES liveried 08711 shunts wagons at a bitterly cold Toton " /> 'Pathfinder Tours - 30 Years of Railtouring 1973-2003'" /> 'Ben More Assynt' stored at Toton" /> 'Caledonian Paper' passes Stenson Junction with a delayed Washwood Heath - Peak Forest Cemex service, unfortunately not quite late enough to avoid one of the pesky clouds!" /> 2nd February - The Buffer Puffer 6.0, with haulage in the form of 37401 and 37422 'Cardiff Canton', 37422 is seen awaiting 'the off' at Charing Cross ready to take us to Cannon Street as 1Z37 London Bridge - Uckfield" /> 6th February - Metronet liveried 66721 'Harry Beck' heads through Stratford with 4M23, the 10:59 Felixstowe North - Hams Hall Intermodal" /> 'Quinag' passes Stratford with 7L56, the 13:43 Acton yard-Purfleet loaded wagon service" /> 'Charles Babbage' accelerates through Stratford with 6V17, the 12:48 Harwich Parkeston Quay - Acton Yard service" /> 8th February - Freightliner Class 90, No.90046 passes Harold Wood on the 'Up Electric' line with 4M88, the 08:49 Felixstowe-Crewe Basford Hall service" /> 12th February - EWS Class 92, No.92009 'Elgar' passes Kensington Olympia with 4O25, the 08:55 Wembley - Dollands Moor loaded steel service" /> Stobart Pullman headboard, DRS Class 47, No.47802 'Pride of Cumbria' passes Kensington Olympia leading 5Z88, the 09:00 Wembley - London Victoria ECS" /> 'Pride of Carlisle', sporting the new DRS Compass livery leads the 'Stobart Pullman' launch service through Raynes Park, forming 1Z88, the 10:43 London Victoria - Fareham 'special'" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

January 2008 - Part 2

Wed Jan 16 2008

Wednesday 16 January 2008: 16/01 - The Mayflower Line freight activity A few hours in the Manningtree area with the main aim of catching some freight on the Harwich branch. 24/01 - Kelvedon freights An hour near Kelvedon for 86501 with 4L41. 27/01 - Hitchin Interlude An impromptu visit to the sunny ECML at Great Wymondley, just South of Hitchin for 86101 and the Sunday ECS move from Doncaster to Bounds Green. 29/01 - 60 on 6V79 A quick update from Hatfield Peverel of 60024 working the Marks Tey to Hayes sand train. 30/01 - Tractor Action! 37608 and 37059 passing Ingatestone with a Norwich - Ilford SERCO

16th January - 90002 propells 1P18, the 10:00 London Liverpool Street - Norwich service over the River Stour at Cattawade" /> 'Lets Go East of England' propells 1P20, the 10:30 London Liverpool Street - Norwich service out of Essex and into Suffolk" /> 'Vice Admiral Lord Nelson' heads into Essex with an 'On-Time' 1P29, the 11:00 service from Norwich to London Liverpool Street" /> 24th January - 90047 drifts downgrade through Hill House Farm, Kelvedon with 4M81, the 07:45 Felixstowe - Ditton freightliner service" /> 'Royal Anglian Regiment' powers South through Kelvedon with 1P29 Norwich - London Liverpool Street " /> 27th January - 43099 screams South through Great Wymondley with 1A21, the 10:30 York - London Kings Cross National Express East Coast service" /> Sir William A Stanier FRS' heads South through Great Wymondley with 5G02, the 12:33 Doncaster - Bounds Green Hull Trains substitute ECS movement, the train is 12 minutes behind schedule as it passes the camera!" /> 29th January - 60024 throbs through Hatfield Peverel with 6V79, the 08:55 Marks Tey - Hayes sand train, utilising ex RMC JGA hoppers" /> 30th January - After a spell on hire to Scotrail, 90036 is now back in revenue earning service with 'one', here the unique liveried Class 90 heads South through Church Lane, Ingatestone with 1P21, the 09:00 Norwich - London Liverpool Street service" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

January 2008 - Part 1

Tue Jan 1 2008

Tuesday 1 January 2008: 01/01 - Ipswich Just a few from Ipswich to start off the year! 12/01 - 86101 working for Hull Trains and GBRf 73 moves With a sunny day forecast, the oppurtunity to get 86101 working for Hull Trains was not passed up, also 73204 in the Tonbridge area testing recently overhaued GLV vehicles. 13/01 - 86101 on the Hertford Loop An impromptu visit to deepest Hertfordshire for 86101 returning South with 5G02, the 12:55 Doncaster - Bounds Green ECS movement. Ta JB for being taxi

12th January - 313054 waits patiently for departure time of 09:11 from London Kings Cross to Welwyn Garden City" /> 13th January - 313038 arrives in the bay platform at Hertford North with 2B26, the 12:56 First Capital Connect service from London Kings Cross" /> 'Sir William A Stanier FRS' thunders South through Hertford North as 5G02, the 12:55 Doncaster - Bounds Green ECS movement" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

December 2007 - Part 2

Sat Dec 22 2007

Saturday 22 December 2007: 22/12 - Tangmere on the GEML Todays exploits were prompted by the appearance of 34067 'Tangmere' on the GEML with a Victoria - Norwich special. Thanks to JB for driving!

Tangmere hurries North through Manningtree with the charter for Norwich" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

December 2007 - Part 1

Sat Dec 1 2007

Saturday 1 December 2007: 05/12 - Final weeks of RHTT action With the end of scheduled RHTT services impending, a quick trip up to a few locations where I havent photted the trains this year, shame the weather didn't play ball for most of the day! 13/12 - 87022 to Norwich Crown Point! With what is said to be one of the last appearances of a Class 87 on the GEML, 87022 today worked 5Z87 Willesden - Norwich Crown Point conveying mk3 coach 12042.

5th December - 20312 leads 3S60 over the River Stour at Cattawade and towards Manningtree, 20311 is on the rear" /> 13th December 66537 passes a bitterly cold Long Green foot crossing in Marks Tey with 4M94 Felixstowe - Lawley Street" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

November 2007 - Part 2

Wed Nov 14 2007

Wednesday 14 November 2007: 14/11 - GEML Action A sunny Autumn morning on the GEML just south of Kelvedon, featuring Heavy Haul Stone and Three 90s in Three liveries on 4M88! 15/11 - More from the GEML! Another sunny morning lineside, just South of Marks Tey catching some freights 16/11 - Tractor Fest on the GEML! With the prospect of a lovely sunny day, EPS 37s on the RHTT circuit, and another pair of Tractors on a SERCO, another visit to Kelvedon was called for... 17th - 21st November - On Tour in The Midlands A few days spent in The Midlands at various locations, including Toton, Peak Forest, Tamworth, March, Lincoln and Barnetby. Ta Jonsie and Brother Welham! 22nd November - Dred through Hatfield Peverel! On-hire to Freightliner, 66422 today worked 6Z76 from Kennett to Cricklewood. Thanks to MR for the heads up! 30th - Werrington Junction A flying visit to Werrington Junction, just North of Peterborough Station where the line to Spalding, Sleaford and Lincoln diverges for 86101 and 87022 on a Bounds Green to Doncaster test run, sadly the move was cancelled at Peterborough due to a fault on one of the Cargo-D mk3s! Nevertheless, a few freights were observed in the short visit.

14th November - 66578 heads South through Kelvedon with 4M94 Felixstowe - Lawley Street" /> 15th November - 82112 pilots the 09:00 Liverpool Street - Norwich service through Marks Tey " /> Collingwood heads South through Marks Tey with the 09:00 Norwich - London Liverpool Street service" /> 16th November - Having transfered from North Pole to Stowmarket, EPS liveried 37601 and classmate 37603 on the rear find themselves on RHTT duties, the pair pass Kelvedon with 3S60 Stowmarket - Shenfield" /> 17th November - Mainline Blue liveried 37065 and 37375 slowly rot away in the open at Toton" /> 19th November - London Midland liveried 360106 pauses at Tamworth whilst working a London Euston - Liverpool Lime Street service" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

November 2007 - Part 1

Thu Nov 1 2007

Thursday 1 November 2007: 01/11 - GEML Morning A busy morning at Ingatestone, mainly for the RHTT to Shenfield, 90018 heading light engine to Norwich Crown Point and for 86614 flying solo on the Daventry - Felixstowe liner. 10/11 - The Silverlink Swansong II A great day out with 37410 and 50049, traversing the principal lines covered by Silverlink in the past 10 years. Highlight being the use of the Bletchley TMD shunter, 08874, hauling the charter back into Bletchley station from the TMD. Ta JB, JJ and DW for a top day! 12/11 - 3S60 on the GEML A brief visit to test out a location near Hatfield Peverel, and then onto Kelvedon for the daily RHTT to Shenfield. Back home for lunch, then back out with the promise of further DRS action! 13/11 - EWS 90s on hire to 'one' A brief visit to Boreham to capture 90018 and 90020 which are currently on hire to 'one', with the added bonus of the daily Stowmarket - Shenfield RHTT making an appearance

10th November 37410 after arrival at London Euston from Old Oak Common to work 'The Silverlink Swansong II' to various points covered by the TOC" /> 'Johnson Stevens Agency' nameplate, leads 66567 through Hatfield Peverel with 4Z75 Crewe Basford Hall - Ipswich Yard" /> 13th November - 90020 Collingwood, on hire to 'one' passes Boreham working 1P21, the 09:00 Norwich - London Liverpool Street service " />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

October 2007 - Part 2

Mon Oct 15 2007

Monday 15 October 2007: 15/10 - DRS 57s on an RHTT! 57009 and 57011 on 3S60 Stowmarket - Shenfield passing Hatfield Peverel. 16/10 - 3S60/3S61 20312 and 313 on 3S60 Stowmarket - Shenfield and 3S61 Shenfield - Clacton passing Ingatestone. 18/10 - Tractor on 3S60/3S61 37038 and 57009 on 3S60 Stowmarket - Shenfield and 3S61 Shenfield - Clacton passing Ingatestone. 19/10 - More of 3S60/3S61 20308 and 20314 on 3S60 Stowmarket - Shenfield and 3S61 Shenfield - Clacton passing Hatfield Peverel. 20/10 - The Atomic Harbour Master Photos from a day chasing 'The Atomic Harbour Master' in London and Kent featuring 86101 and EPS 37601/603, the charter was photographed at Harrow and Wealdstone, Queens Park, Headcorn, Folkstone Harbour, Somewhere outside of Ashford, Dungeness, Lydd Town, Appledore and again at Ashford International. Big Ta to Marcus Dawson for ferrying us around all afternoon, and to FCC and Chiltern Railway's Finest employees for the huge amount of on-train updates! 24/10 - A few London bits A few pics from a dissapointing day in London, I had hoped to see 73212 and 213 with a Tonbridge to Barrow Hill move, but that was caped and sent back, then onto the GN for 86101, but was sent via the Hertford Loop!! Either way, a few phots from Elstree and Borehamwood, and one from Alexandra Palace. 29th October onwards - End of October Miscellaneous Random bits whilst out and about...

15th October 57011 trundles through Hatfield Peverel with 3S60, the 09:20 Stowmarket - Shenfield Goods Loop RHTT, my original plan to photo this at Ingatestone thwarted by the train running early!! - Ta MJC for the two-tone! :o)" /> 16th October - 20312 and 313 trundle through an extremely wet Ingatestone with 3S60, the 09:20 Stowmarket - Shenfield Goods Loop RHTT" /> 18th October - Marbled by the sunshine and shade through the trees, 66539 heads through Ingatestone with 4M94 Felixstowe - Lawley Street" /> 20th October 90018 endures the long Autumnal shadows as it races south through Harrow and Wealdstone with 1M16, the 20:40 Inverness - London Euston sleeper" /> 24th October - 319380 enters Farringdon station with a service to Sutton" /> 29th October - Nearing the end of its journey, 66050 leads 6L38 Acton - Marks Tey through Kelvedon, this working runs Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays Only, with the Monday turn utilising 4 wheel PGA hoppers" /> 30th October - 317668 and 317672 head south through Hatfield Peverel with 5V99 Witham - Ilford EMUD - A test run for the units, presumably after some modifications" /> 31st October - Stansted Express unit, No.317709 Len Camp stands at Shenfield having arrived from Ilford as 5F98, shortly after this picture was taken, the unit departed Shenfield as 5V99 Shenfield - Ilford EMUD, a testing run for the unit after modifications. The black triangle below the lights indicates where the first class compartment is situated" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

October 2007 - Part 1

Mon Oct 1 2007

Monday 1 October 2007: 01/10 - Wet West London A very wet day in West London, with the main target being 37417 and 410 on an ECS move to Old Oak Common. 02/10 - Wet East London A quick trip up to Stratford for a trio of class 20s heading to Stowmarket to undertake the seasonal RHTT duties. 05/10 - Nene Valley English Electric Diesels A flying visit to the Nene Valley to sample some English Electric thrash in the form of resident D306, and visitors D8007 and D8137 with some afternoon services.

2nd October The Eu-Rail Scout departs Shenfield for Mountnessing Junction" /> 3rd October 86628 and 86621 glide through Hatfield Peverel with 4M87, the 11:43 freightliner service form Felixstowe to Trafford Park, which is usually in the hands of class 90" /> 5th October - The Nene Valley's English Electric Diesel Day, as D306 'Atlantic Conveyer' thrashes away from the scheduled stop at Ferry Meadows with 2E98, the 15:51 service from Wansford to Peterborough Nene Valley" /> 9th October On a horrible wet and windy Tuesday morning, 66576 'Hamburg Sud Advantage' powers through Ingatestone with 4M94 from Felixstowe to Lawley Street" /> 11th October - 66162 leads an RHTT set, forming 3S74 Southend Victoria - Gas Factory loop through Shenfield..." />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

September 2007 - Part 2

Sun Sep 16 2007

Sunday 16 September 2007: 22/09 - 47703 to Yarmouth! Ex-Fragonset 47703 on the Yarmouth drags from Norwich. 25/09 - A brief spell at Ingatestone A small stint at Ingatestone before work! 29/09 - Tangmere, 31s, DRS 47s and more! The last update for Septemebr 2007, containing 67002 at Kings Cross after bringing in an ECS for a charter to Durham, Tangmere with a charter to Gloucester, 31454 and 452 double heading a charter to Canterbury West, WCML Liners and to top it all off, DRS 47s with a London Euston to Carlisle special.

25th September 317509 leads 317663 through Ingatestone forming 5V96, an Ilford - Witham testing run" /> 27th September 66580 thrashes through Hatfield Peverel with a delayed 4M94 Felixstowe - Lawley Street, the 66 was later to fail on the WCML and had to be rescued by 57309" /> 29th September 67002 'Special Delivery' stands 'on the blocks' at London Kings Cross having brought in an ECS for a charter to Newcastle" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

September 2007 - Part 1

Sat Sep 1 2007

Saturday 1 September 2007: 01/09 - Norfolk Duff Action! 47843 and 847 on a Sudbury - York NENTA and 47818 on the Norwich - Great Yarmouth drags feature in this update. 12/09 - London 67021 on a 508 drag and East London freghtliners feature in this update.

6th September , For posterity!! Scotrail liveried 90024 is hauled by 90036 through Hatfield Peverel, the duo worked as 0Z91 Norwich Crown Point - Wembley and are about 20 minutes late as they pass through" /> 11th September - A trio of Class 360 Desiros pass through the Essex countryside forming 1N12, the 08:08 service from London Liverpool Street - Clacton-On-Sea" /> 12th September Complete with obligatory wheelflats, Silverlink 313107 arrives at Brondesbury with a Richmond - Stratford service" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

August 2007 - Part 2

Thu Aug 16 2007

Thursday 16 August 2007: 16/08 - DRS Action on the GEML 20311 and 315 with 6L70 and the return 6M69 along the GEML, aswell as other bits whilst waiting for the choppers! 25/08 - GEML Engineers A trip up to Norwich to find the Yarmouth drags were cancelled, so back down to Ipswich for some Whitemoor - Chelmsford engineers trains 26/08 - More GEML Engineers A quick trip up to Ingatestone and surrounding areas to see whether there were any engineers trains 'on-possession'...

Friday 17th A friendly wave from the driver of 66533 as it passes Hatfield Peverel with an early morning liner for Felixstowe" /> Saturday 25th A broken 37229 'Jonty Jarvis' awaits a tow back to Crewe to be fixed, the DRS machine is seen languishing at Norwich" /> Sunday 26th 66192 idles in the platform at Ingatestone as ballast is unloaded from the train" />

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

August 2007 - Part 1

Wed Aug 1 2007

Wednesday 1 August 2007: 01/08 - 6L26 @ Stratford Just the one picture of 59206 passing Stratford with 6L26 to Dagenham. 04/08 - London Specials 47815 and 87028 at London Kings Cross and 37218 and 37259 on a Selhurst - Ilford SERCO. 10/08 - GEML Action DRS SERCO, 47818, a procession of class 66 hauled freights at Hatfield Peverel and 20305 and 307 on 6M69! 11/08 - London Specials and GEML Action 47805 and 853 on a Norwich to Weymouth NENTA, along with 66710 pictured at Kentish Town West and the latest Intermodal action at Hatfield Peverel
Pride of Ferrybridge heads eastbound through Stratford with a slightly early 6L26 Acton Yard - Dagenham empty sand train" />
Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

End of July 2007

Fri Jul 27 2007

Friday 27 July 2007: 27/07 - GEML Morning Sightings A brief visit to Kelvedon and Witham this morning for 4L89 and the diverted GBRf Intermodal for Doncaster Railport. 28/07 - Charter Chasing 47s to Nottingham and Lord Nelson to Folkstone Harbour with 67029 for company!

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

On-Tour in Cornwall 2007

Sat Jul 14 2007

Saturday 14 July 2007: A fantastic week in the Mk1 coach in Hayle, Cornwall - mainly sampling the local bars and pubs, but a few trains photted none the less, pictures include the Night Riviera sleepers, 66047 on the weekly fuel trip to Penzance, a trip to the Bodmin and Wenford Railway and the usual procession of units and HSTs - Huge Ta to the Bodmin and Wenford Diesel crew for the tour around the Depot at Bodmin General, and to the usual suspects for a great week!!

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

July 2007 - Part 2

Fri Jul 13 2007

Friday 13 July 2007: 13/07 - GEML Sightings A sunny afternoon in the Ingatestone area catching 66625 on a trial flow from Norwich to Dagenham, aswell as the usual procession of freightliners... 26/07 - Evening GEML Sightings Another brief visit to Margaretting foot crossing for the ever-reliable class 86 turn, 4S88 from Felixstowe to Coatbridge.

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

On-Tour in Carlisle

Fri Jul 6 2007

Friday 6 July 2007: Two days in Carlisle for the DRS Open Day, photos include various 57s, 60s, 66s, 86s, 90s and 92s on freights at the station, the DRS Open Day and the DRS operated charter to Newcastle with 66411/405 and 47501. Ta JB and C.S.47810.

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

July 2007 - Part 1

Sun Jul 1 2007

Sunday 1 July 2007: 01/07 - GBRf 87s on freight! 87022 and 028 doubled heading 4Z77 from Willesden to Doncaster with 22 GBRf coal hoppers, pictured at Welham Green about an hour late.

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

June 2007 - Part 2

Sun Jun 17 2007

Sunday 17 June 2007: 22/06 - Motts Lane, Witham 66540 in Witham DGL with 4L41 Daventry - Felixstowe 23/06 - 6G13 and 1Z35 73206 and 208 on 6G13 Eastleigh - Leatherhead at Carshalton and 47826 and 245 on 1Z35 Barnetby to Brighton at Wandsworth Common 26/06 - London bits 47815 on a diverted stock move, Victa Westlink liveried 47832, 60047 on the Willesden Cement and GEML/GWML freights 30/06 - 47810 to Great Yarmouth 47810 with Summer Saturday drags to Great Yarmouth, with various 'one' 90s and RfD 90027.

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

June 2007 - Part 1

Fri Jun 1 2007

Friday 1 June 2007: 02/06 - Saturday SERCO to Sunny Sheerness A very sunny day chasing 37606 and 607 with 1Q14, a Hither Green to Selhust SERCO via London Cannon Street, and many locations in Kent, including the Sheerness branch. 03/06 - Avon area A very enjoyable day chasing 'The Bristol Coal-Stone Haul' charter, with haulage provided by 50049 and Network Rail 31105 and 31285. 04/06 and 06/06 - Anglo-Scottish 86 hauled freights Freightliner 86s working freightliners to/from Scotland, pictured at Hatfield Peverel and Ingatestone. 09/06 - Long Marston Open Day A fantastic day spent in the complex, photting dozens of class 86s and 87s, class 20s, 47s, 56s, shunters and more! 10/06 - Sarah Siddons Returns Sarah Siddons and 20227 sharing turns on a Harrow-On-The-Hill to Amersham charter, pictured at various station on the Metropolitan Line. 16/06 - Saturday Specials D1015 and 6024 at Twyford, 90019 at Kings Cross and Royal Skip 67005 at Raynes Park feature in this update.

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham

May 2007 - Part 2

Tue May 15 2007

Tuesday 15 May 2007: 19/05 - The Midlands A few shots from The Midlands of charters and freight whilst avoiding the downpours! 22/05 - GEML Action A sunny morning on the Great Eastern photting some liners 23/05 - The Felixstowe Branch Sheds galore between Felixstowe and Levington on this busy stretch 24th and 25th - Ipswich, Peterborough, Whittlesea and Melton Mowbray DRS 20s at Ipswich, 67023 on an engineering train, 60 hauled freights and more 31st May - Evening heritage freights on the GE A quick dash up to Kelvedon for the first DRS Tractor on 6M69 since October 2006 and freightliner 86s to Coatbridge

Published in Rail Photography by James Welham