Shred`s UK trips.

[shredder1]

Manchester-Doncaster. Saturday 25th January 2025.

I was a bit undecided where to go on Friday night, nothing was really happening at this time of the year, and the weather wasn’t very good, however I checked the weather forecast over in Doncaster and it was showing bright sun for most of the day, and Doncaster is always a good go to location for me, where you can always guarantee some action. With the alarm set at 05.00, I drove down to Crumpsall tram station for the first Metrolink out at 06.07 into Manchester Piccadilly for the 07.12 Transpennine class 185 direct to Doncaster.

I arrived into Doncaster just before 08.30 to a nice start with Colas class 56s, 3 in all parked up in the works sidings, Class 56105, 56302 and one that I couldn’t identify at the back, along with a Colas class 66849 and a class 70803. It was however freezing on the platforms, so I decided to walk out for breakfast to the Gate House for a large Vegetarian breakfast with the eggs scrambled and a couple of coffees, £8.45, dearer than my Manchester Wetherspoon breakfasts, so I guess Doncaster must be moving up in the world.

Returning to the railway station, a few of the local Meercats had began to appear at the ends of the platforms. The first locomotive that passed through was light engine DB class 66030, later followed by a convoy of two locomotives, class 66179 in the old EWS livery and DB Climate Hero class 66004 in the green livery. One of the Grand Central Voyagers was on route learning between Doncaster and Chesterfield class 221 142, Grand Central have two of these Voyagers at present. The only Freight I saw was Freightliner class 66524 going south. The weather was cold all day but with glorious sunshine and blue skies, very poor for freight though for some reason, at around 14.00 I went for lunch in Taco Bell, not the healthiest of meals, I went for a Quesadilla Cravings Box for as tenner, they don’t do coffee so I was stuck with a cold drink, it hit the spot though.

Returning to the station for the rest of the afternoon, no more freight, so I decided to catch the 15.45 Transpennine direct into Manchester Piccadilly and on arriving, I was just in time to see a WAG arriving behind class 67016 with DVT 82200 on the rear. Not a bad day out really, but in retrospect, maybe a warmer day out on a rover ticket might have been better than freezing it out.

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Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. Saturday 22nd February 2025.

I decided to have a drive over to the Worth Valley Railway; the weather forecast was good. I left North Manchester at around 08.00, so not too early for me, and I had my usual drive via Hollingworth Lake and over Blackstone Edge and down Cragg Vale via Hebden Bridge and over Haworth Moor (while listening to the excellent guitar playing of Allan Holdsworth on Spotify). Thick fog greeted me as the car climbed Blackstone Edge, but this had cleared by the time I was descending into Cragg Vale and Mytholmroyd.

My first stop was the obligatory shed shots from the bridge at Haworth, followed by a visit to the Buffet Café for an egg and sausage muffin and a coffee, before driving down to Ingrow West to park the car for the day. I made the mistake of visiting the second-hand railway bookshop and museum which cost me £57, (I really should avoid those places).

I am a lineside permit holder and member at the Worth Valley Railway, so using one of my free day tickets I caught the next train up the line to Oxenhope, this was behind Ivatt Micky Mouse tank, 41241, sadly still carrying its Worth Valley red livery, (I do wish they would put it back in BR Black).
I returned from Oxenhope on the same train and alighted at Haworth for a quick look around the shop and a visit to the depot, before returning to Haworth station to catch the German railbus, M79964 Waggon & Maschinen, to take me to Oakworth to enable me to catch up with the returning Ivatt climbing Oakworth bank. I return on the Ivatt to Keighley to catch it climbing up the bank out of the station. I then waited at Keighley for the retuning railbus catching it to take me back to the car at Ingrow West.

Driving back up to Haworth for a chippy tea followed by a visit to the museum at Oxenhope, before driving back over the moors to North Manchester and Ultimately home. The sun stayed with me for most of the day, and an enjoyable day out was had.

Keighley & Worth Valley Railway - Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

Steam & Heritage Diesel Journeys Through Brontë Country! From industrial Keighley to the wild landscapes of Brontë Country, this five-mile heritage railway brings Yorkshire’s past to life. Travel behind steam or diesel locomotives, relax, and enjoy the journey. Book ahead or on the day and save...

kwvr.co.uk

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[shredder1]

Nene Valley Railway, (Day 1). Thursday 27th February 2025.

I was driving back down to Number One son`s in Peterborough, the weather was still nice with blue skies and bright sunshine. I’m not a great fan of driving these days, but a few good albums on Spotify usually take my mind off the three-hour drive and of course I always make a pit stop at Wansford on the Nene Valley Railway.
I had two nice treats standing in the yard to greet me, A1 new build 60163 Tornado and A3 60103 Flying Scotsman, so it was nice to catch up with these two bad boys. Nothing was running, but the railway was allowing cab visits on the Flying Scotsman and also shed tours, so I had a nice visit. The Nene Valley Railway are on the way up again after the financial problems they had, and the Flying Scotsman is a good boost for the coffers.

I later drove down to Rail World at Peterborough East, I usually visit to check out the second hand railway book section, the shop however was closed, but lots of people in suites were standing in the yard, on speaking to one of them, I was told Prince Edward, (Duke of Edinburgh), was visiting and he was due in a few minutes, so I waited for him to arrive and took quite a few photographs of him, before being asked who I was and being told by his personal police that it was invitation only and I would have to leave, so I walked back over the Nene bridge and was pulled again by plain clothes police and asked for ID on the way out, so I showed them my press pass and they shook my hand as I left.

I was told the Flying Scotsman was out on the Friday on a test run hauling a rake of freight waggons, but I was going to Cambridge with my son on the Friday, so would have to wait for the Saturday before I could return to the railway.

Nene Valley Railway Ltd

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Nene Valley Railway, (Day 2). Saturday 1st March 2025.

I was up and out for 07.30 and breakfasting in Peterborough for 08.00. After breakfast I drove across to Wansford, the Flying Scotsman was running all weekend on the Nene Valley Railway, so I spent the day photting in key locations.

After photting the Scotsman running around her train and waiting for her first return up the line, and visiting the book shop and spending £50. I next drove around to the former station site of Castor and Ailsworth, now just a level crossing, but a good photographic location.

I next drove to Overton for Ferry Meadows, a tight location for west bound trains, but I did manage some passable phots. Finally, I drove down to the crossing at the end of Wharf Road, which looks down the line into Peterborough East Station, where I took my final phots of the day. The weather had been again glorious, but I was driving back to Manchester the following morning, although I would be back in that part of the country next weekend. It had been an enjoyable few days.

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East Lancs Railway, Legends of Steam II. Saturday & Sunday 15th & 16th March 2025.

It was nice to be around for a steam gala on the East Lancs, especially since it is on my doorstep as it were. On the Saturday my day started by driving up to Bury and visiting the stalls on Bolton Street Station. I only spent £27 on books and B & R DVDs, so a good result for me, this was followed by breakfast in the Art Picture House. I then drove up to the sidings at Ramsbottom, later dropping back onto Ramsbottom railway station, before finally driving down to Burrs Bank and catching up with a few friends. The weather was cold but dry with a few brief sunny spells.

I was up and out for 07.30 on Sunday morning, driving up to Heywood this time to the Edwin Waugh for breakfast. My original plan was to photograph the double-headed Bulleid’s as they arrived and turned around at Heywood and then drive up to motorway and catch them again north of Irwell Vale, but the weather was quite sunny in the morning, so instead I opted to drive to Burrs Country Park and pho them as they crossed the embankment. I managed to catch the B1 in the sunshine, but by the time the Bulleid’s had arrive, the sky had clouded over, I later drove up to Summerseat Viaduct, finally dropping back to Bolton Street station.

I had lunch in the Buffet on the platforms, and noted a few customers complaining about the Buffet prices. To be fair I’ve never considered these places to be overpriced, for the privilege of sitting in a station buffet as it was in the 1950s, with steam engines passing through on the platforms, its pretty good value to be able to step back to a more innocent period of time.

I had another look mooch the bookshops and spent another £25 in the Standard 4 coach this time, before calling it a day by around 15.30. Overall, it was another great event, a really big well done to all involve, the East Lancs Railway is certainly up there with the big boys, and I never forget just how lucky I am having such an active railway on my doorstep. Until next time.

Locomotives rostered

Thompson LNER 4-6-0 class B1 61306 ‘Mayflower’

Stanier LMS 4-6-0 Black 5 44871

Bulleid SR 4-6-2 Light Pacific West Country/Battle of Britain class 34081 ’92 Squadron’

Bulleid SR 4-6-2 Light Pacific West Country/Battle of Britain Class 34092 ‘City of Wells’

Legends of Steam - The East Lancashire Railway

www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

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Cambridge Guided Busway. April 2025.

I had to spend some time down at my son`s in Peterborough, as he was having an operation at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge, so I was looking after his house and driving to the nearest park and ride to join the Guided Busway to the hospital each day. He`s back home now after a successful operation and also back at work, working from home, as a solicitor. I took these photographs while using both sections of the busway from St Ives into the hospital and from the south end at Trumpington.

The busway was built over the former Varsity Line, from Bedford to Cambridge, and the busway starts at Trumpington Long Road Bridge, the railway line closed in 1968. The northern section of the busway operates over the former track bed of the Cambridge to Huntingdon Railway through Oakington, Long Stanton and Histon to St Ives, the present busway terminus. I must admit I am not a great lover of busways, apart from the railway interest, at the very least a modern tramway would have been a better option.

Cambridgeshire Guided Busway - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

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[shredder1]

Nene Valley Railway. April 2025.

Spending a month at my sons in Peterborough gave me amble opportunities to visit the Nene Valley Railway, since it is only a ten-minute drive from his house. I’ve listed all locations and dates on each image. I like to visit the second-hand railway bookshops on the railway, and these visits cost me around £50. A pleasant railway though who always provide a good selection of events throughout the year. I called in on four different occasions in April while I was in the area.

Nene Valley Railway Ltd

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Mid Norfolk Railway. Saturday 3rd May 2025.

I was staying at my son`s in Peterborough and decided to have a drive over to Dereham and visit the Mid Norfolk Railway, which was only around a 90-minute drive from my son`s. This was only my second visit to the Mid Norfolk Railway, the first time I visited was around 8 years ago by train from Sandy to Wymondham, when I walked across the town to access the Mid Norfolk Railway, but this time I was driving into Dereham, which would give me better access to other places nearby. I arrived at Dereham for around 07.00 and with no one on site I ghosted the yard for some early morning photographs before anything started moving.

My next move was to drive up to County School to visit the restored station and yard, the café wasn’t open, but I could access the site and get the images I wanted. The station awaits silently for the trains to arrive once again, but this could be some years away. Returning to Dereham railway station for 08.30, nothing was open, so I had to take breakfast in Morrisons, instead of putting money into the coffers of the railway.

Dereham station opened at 09.00 and I purchased a senior all-day rover for £18, which I thought was great value. The railway has come on some since my last visit, indeed Network Rail built some sidings on the railway, to facilitate the new Greater Anglian Stadler`s prior to them being put into service, these sidings are presently used as storage for several stored HST sets.

I departed on the first train out at 09.20, and was treated to a former Greater Manchester Pacer. I alighted at Thuxton, the passing place on the line. I waited at Thuxton for the next departure from Dereham at 10.00, which was class 47 580, “County of Essex”, and was the only other train operating. I took this to the end of the line at Wymondham, and I was even allowed to go across Wymondham crossing, while the locomotive ran around her stock, so a little new track. I returned on the class 47 to Dereham, the second-hand bookshop was closed when I took the first train out, and it was still closed as I returned, apparently the girl who ran the shop was on holiday, but one of the booking hall staff let me in to brose the books, but sadly I didn’t find anything of interest.

I collected the car at Dereham station and drove down to the first station down the line at Yaxham, another well preserved station, thanks to an enthusiastic owner. In the former goods shed at Yaxham is a selection of steam boilers and small industrial locomotives in various states of repair.
I later returned to Dereham, the class 47 was timed to return to Wymondham on the 15.30, but instead decided to drive back to my son`s to avoid the late afternoon traffic. It had been a great day and nice to visit County School railway station for the first time.

HOME | Mid-Norfolk Railway

www.midnorfolkrailway.co.uk

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[shredder1]

Hereward Line, (Peterborough to Ely). April 2025.

Staying at my son`s house in Stanground, Peterborough had many advantages. The main one being his house faced the Hereward Line, presently it is the busiest freight line in the UK, mainly carrying container traffic from Felixstowe Docks to the Midlands and Northern regions.

I went out on several days, visiting various locations, I have listed each of these with dates and locations on each image for reference. The first date and location was on Friday 25th April 2025 at Whittlesea railway station, freight trains passed in this order, 66701, 66590, 66006, 66742, 66788, 69001, 66767, 66004 and 66761. My next time out was on Tuesday 29th April 2025 at Beggars Bridge over the twenty-foot drain, freight trains passed in this order, 66555, 66315, 69011, 66712, 66714, 66124, 66607, 66197, 66708, 66006, 66182, 66787, 66041, 66588 and 66702. The third time I was out was on Wednesday 30th April 2025 at Australia Farm and Crossing, freight trains passing were 69004, 66124, 66415, 37884, 66315, 66714, 66712, 66073, 66607, 66708, 66185, 66078, 66767, 66132, 66702 and 66588.

The weather was glorious on all days and as you can see the action was constant, I really enjoy being out in the Fens along this railway line, the wildlife is excellent and you can literally see for miles and miles.

Hereward Line - Wikipedia

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[shredder1]

Keighley and Worth Valley Diesel Gala, Thursday 19th and Saturday 21st June 2025.

I managed to be in the UK for this year’s Keighley and Worth Valley Diesel Gala, a four-day event which I attend on two days. My first trip over the hill to the Worth Valley was on Thursday 19th June. An early start but the main and only road across the moors from Hebden Bridge to Oxenhope was closed, this had caused considerable disruption in the area, the satnav took me around the road works, through some very questionable roads.

My first stop however was Haworth Locos sheds, to obtain a few photographs from the bridge, I then drove down to Ingrow West and walked down the bank into Keighley for some shunting, arrival, and departure photographs, moving later to the top of the bank and eventually walking back to Ingrow West to visit the second-hand bookshop and museum. I did well in the bookshop and only spent £20.
I next returned to Haworth for a few shed photographs at track level and later moving about beyond the depot and later driving around to Oakworth to several locations both sides of the station.

Saturday morning saw me driving to “Onemancs,” for 06.30, and we used the route via Sowerby Bridge, to Oxenhope on some very hilly roads. The first stop was again Haworth depot and then we moved to a location just north of the depot over the new river bridge, always a good location for Oxenhope bound trains. We returned to Haworth railway station for breakfast in the Buffet Café opposite, but apparently its now permanently closed, so we had to settle for Morrisons next door, who now do coffees and hot breakfast muffins.

We then drove down to Ingrow West, parked the car up and walked the track bed down to Keighley, spending a few hours from the station limits to the top of the bank, before returning to Ingrow West and then the second-hand book shop in the museum, only a tenner spent this time. Our next move was Oakworth Station, first towards the Damen Loop and then up near the tunnel. The weather had dulled over by this point with some very fine rain, which didn’t last. Our final move was Oxenhope, before driving home via Denham, Halifax, and Sowerby Bridge because of the roadworks over Oxenholme Moor. It had been a great event with quite a variety of traction. A very big well done to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and all the volunteers who worked on this amazing four-day event.

Diesel Gala - Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

18th to 21st June

kwvr.co.uk

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Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, the Hunslet Gala. Saturday 28th June 2025.

It was the weekend of the Hunslet Gala, for anyone who hasn’t attended one of these, they really are action all day, such amazing galas for a relatively smaller railway, but located in an amazing part of the country, the Yorkshire Dales. This particular line was once the link from Skipton to Ilkley, fortunately the section from Embsay to Bolton Abby has been preserved.

I was up early on the Saturday morning, Embsay is an hours drive from my village in North Manchester, which involved driving up the M66, eastbound M65 to Colne and then basically following the alignment of the former railway line from Colne to Skipton, through Foulridge, Barnoldswick Junction for the Barnoldswick branch, Earby, where the station yards and part of the station roof survives as a small industrial estate and the majestic station hotel, still operates as a memory, the next station along the line was Thornton in Craven, where the Pennine Way crosses the alignment, and finally we had Elslack, sad memories as I drove through those villages which once had a railway and which may, one day see the railway line reinstated, but I’m not holding my breath.

I took breakfast in Mc Donalds at Rossendale, not very healthy, but I needed something to sustain me. I arrived at Embsay for around 08.30 which gave me time to see the locomotives steaming up and check out the stalls and model railway layouts. The whole site was accessible and for £25 unlimited access and travel for the day, it was very good value indeed. In fact, I was also very kindly given a ticket to enable me to have a round trip on the freight train, guards van.

The weather didn’t start off too well, but we did have sunny spells towards the afternoon and it was a very warm day, despite the odd bit of light rain at times. The icing on the cake, for me, was that the second platform at Bolton Abbey was open for access, so this gave a lot of additional photographic opportunities that we have never had there before. I also caught up with a lot of old friends and indeed several working members from the East Lancs Railway were also in attendance.

The Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway has always been a very friendly railway and nothing ever seems too much trouble for the staff and I thank everyone involved for a great day out and a very well organised event, thank you guys.

Locomotives present and rostered

On display was NER Class P3 No. 2392, also known as LNER J27 No. 65894,

Visiting loco: 2409 ‘King George’ from The Didcot Railway Centre

Visiting loco: 1873 ‘Jessie’ from the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway

Visiting loco: 2387 ‘Brookes No 1’ from the Middleton Railway

Visiting loco: 2890 ‘Douglas’ from Andy Booth/East Lancashire Railway

Home fleet: 2705 'Beatrice'

Home fleet: 3794 'Cumbria'

Active restoration: NCB S134 ‘Wheldale’

Awaiting restoration: 3788 ‘Monkton No1’

Awaiting restoration: 1440 ‘Airedale’

THE HUNSLET GALA | Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

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[theblackwatch]

Good to see you Saturday, and I agree the new platform at Bolton Abbey does offer new opportunities for pictures. I think the ELR lot were there for a stag do!

 

[shredder1]

Good to see you Saturday, and I agree the new platform at Bolton Abbey does offer new opportunities for pictures. I think the ELR lot were there for a stag do!

Thank you, the pleasure was mine. Yes love the new platform, its been a long time coming. Haha we always have stag dos on the ELR, talking of which, are you down for our diesel gala this week?

 

[theblackwatch]

Thank you, the pleasure was mine. Yes love the new platform, its been a long time coming. Haha we always have stag dos on the ELR, talking of which, are you down for our diesel gala this week?

Yes, i'll be there on Saturday all being well - looking forward to a dose behind D7076.

 

[shredder1]

Yes, i'll be there on Saturday all being well - looking forward to a dose behind D7076.

Ill be there again tomorrow, done the last two days, its been great, very busy

 

[shredder1]

East Lancs Railway, Summer Diesel Gala.

Thursday 3rd July 2025.

It was an early start for me as I was in the gym for 07.00, grabbing a quick breakfast and then driving up to Bury for the first day of the three-day summer diesel gala. I arrived into Bury for around 11.00 and took a good selection of photographs around the station as quite a lot of activity was taking place. I later moved up to Burrs Country Park and spent the rest of the afternoon in and around that location, it was a very intense day with some gorgeous weather to boot and lovely to see the visiting locos mixed in with our home fleet of machines. I dread to thing of the effort that goes into arranging all these.

Friday 4th July 2025.

American Independence Day. I pretty much followed the same plan as Thursday with an early session at the gym, breakfast in a local café and arriving at Bury Bolton Street for around 11.00, with a quick visit to the station bookshop, as my mate Kevin had kindly sorted out some books for me. This was followed by a look around the stalls, before I drove up to Irwell Vale to spend most of the day in that location. I later dropped back into Summerseat for my final pictures of the day. My mate Onemanc gave me a ring in the afternoon, (he’s one of those poor souls who still has to work for a living), but he asked me if I was hanging around for the double-headed class 50 runs in the evening, although I did fancy chasing them around, the body just wasn’t willing, I was knackered, so I left my mate too it and look forward to his video.

Saturday 5th July 2025.

I didn’t bother with the gym and instead just made my way over to Bury, taking breakfast in Subway, which I guess is kinda healthy. I did a bit of photting around Bolton Street Station, checked out the stalls again and then drove up to Ramsbottom railway station. The weather had changed a bit from been beautifully sunny all-day Thursday, changing slightly after lunch on Friday and some light rain appearing in the evening and on the Saturday, but still with a few sunny spells, so not too bad really.

I phoned Oncemanc from Ramsbottom and he told be he had just arrived at Summerseat, so I drove down and caught up with him. We later moved into Ramsbottom Sidings, followed by a drive down to Burrs Country Park, then Bolton Street Station and finally Heywood for the class 57 and visiting class 50. It had been another amazing gala, I really don’t know how those guys on the East Lancs keep coming up with such extensive events, words are not enough for all the hard work those guys put in, the East Lancs has always been a very friendly railway and it was really great to catch up with both old and new friends, especially from the East Lancs volunteer sector, those guys are there year in year out, without who’s contribution, we simply wouldn’t have a railway, so all credit you guys and thank you once more for such an amazing event, until next time.

Locomotives rostered

Electro-Motive Class 57, 57002 ‘Winston Churchill’ will make its ELR debut courtesy of LSL Ltd. This is the final visiting locomotive announcement for the Summer Diesel Gala (3 – 6 July, 2025) and joins ‘heavyweight’ Class 37, 37716, Class 31, 31108 and Class 50, 50008 ‘Thunderer’ courtesy of Swietelsky Rail (Grindley HNRC), A1A Locomotives Ltd and Hanson & Hall Ltd respectively.

Guest Locomotives:
• Class 31, 31108
• Class 37, 37716
• Class 50, 50008 ‘Thunderer’
• Class 57, 57002 ‘Winston Churchill’

Home Fleet:
• Class 14, D9531
• Class 35, ‘Hymek’, D7076
• Class 40, 40012 ‘Aureol’
• Class 42, ‘Warship’, D832
• Class 45, 45108
• Class 47, 47765
• Class 50, 50015 ‘Valiant’
• Class 56, 56006
• Class 105/122

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Manchester, Nottingham, Peterborough. Thursday 17th July 2025.

This was technically the first part of my trip to the Republic of Ireland and started by me catching a train to my son`s house in Peterborough, as we were flying out from Stansted to Dublin the following day. I enjoy train travel of course, but the price with a railcard is now £66, so I nearly drove down. Great British Railways really need to come to grips with pricing, which is really becoming prohibited. I split my journey at Nottingham, travelling by East Midlands, a direct ticket would have cost me £72. The journey down however was a pleasant one, and I was lucky at Peterborough as the rail adventure HST`s passed through northbound with two further HSTs in between them.

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Peterborough. Tuesday 22nd July 2025.

After a great trip over to the Irish Republic, it was time to head home, I had stayed at my sons in Peterborough the night before, after a delayed flight back from Dublin. It was a nice morning and I spent a little time on Peterborough railway station before catching a East Midlands class 158 Norwich-Liverpool sprinter directly into Manchester, it had been a great long weekend away.

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Eden Valley Railway. Saturday 16th August 2025.

I was back in the car driving up to Cumbria, a journey of around two hours. I was essentially visiting the Stainmore Railway who were hosting a Railwayana Event and also operating a train service, only a 15-minute drive away however was the Eden Valley Railway, which operates a section of line between Warcop and Appleby. The railway is presently only operating on a Sunday at the moment, so I took the opportunity to visit the site, since it has been a few years since I visited the railway.

The Eden Valley Railway primarily operates with ex-British Rail rolling stock. Their collection includes British Rail Class 205 diesel-electric multiple unit 205 009, Class 411 electric multiple units 2311 and 2315, and Class 419 units 9003, 9005, and 9010. They also have stored on site a Class 37 diesel-electric locomotive, 37 042, and a Class 47 diesel-electric locomotive, 47799. Additionally, they have several ex-industrial shunters and a variety of freight wagons and a 15-ton railway crane

Eden Valley Railway - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

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Stainmore Railway. Saturday 16th August 2025.

An early morning start at 06.00, saw me driving up to Cumbria, around a 200-mile round trip for me from North Manchester which took just under two hours. I drove directly up to Warcop, the Eden Valley Railway`s operations centre, this railway has a section of line just over 2 miles operating at present, but longer-term plans should see the railway eventually return to Appleby. I was however essentially visiting the Stainmore Railway who were hosting a Railwayana event and also operating a train service, and only a 15-minute drive away from the Eden Valley Railway, which is presently operating on a Sunday only at the moment, it had been a few years since I last visited the railway.

After taking breakfast in Kirkby Stephen town centre, I made my way to Kirby Stephen East, the operations centre of the Stainmore Railway. I arriving in the car park for 09.30 as the stalls were setting up. I managed to spend about £35 on books before going on a few rides up and down the yard behind “Stanton 50” a large, six-wheeled industrial shunting engine. Built in South Yorkshire by the Yorkshire Engine Company, which was tailed by “Elizabeth” an 0-4-0 Hibberd Planet Locomotive, the train coaches were LNER Gresley Brake Third Corridor No.3669. teak and NER 818 7 Compartment Clerestory Luggage Composite (later Third) Built 1903, both beautifully restored.

I was taken out to parts of the line not presently available to the public, to enable me to photograph the workings, a big thank you to the volunteer Alex for this. I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for the Stainmore Railway which originally ran from Tebay on the West Coast Main line to Bishop Auckland, essentially Cumbria to Durham across Stainmore Summit at 1,370 ft (418M), and across the Belah Viaduct, I’ve listed the history of the line below. The railway is soon to have its steam gala, so please check the website for updates, well worth a visit.

Kirkby Stephen East

Visit Kirkby Stephen East, the 1861-built steam railway station that now hosts a great museum and a whole range of events!

www.kirkbystepheneast.co.uk

History, Stainmore Railway https://www.stainmore150.co.uk/stainmore_story/why_built.html

Belah Viaduct, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belah_Viaduct

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East Lancs Railway, Rail 200 Event. Saturday/Sunday 13/14th September 2025.

I think I’ve mentioned many times how lucky I am to live in a village quite close to the East Lancs Railway and I have been a supporter in one way or another since the organisation started back in 1970. I had landed back in the UK in time for the East Lancs Railway`s Rail 200 Event, and again the railway pulled all the stops out.

My weekend started out with an early start on Bolton Street station, it was nice to see the “Western” parked up on the station which was passed by the Warship “Onslaught”, on a Heywood working.

After a good look around the stalls and having a good chat with a few mates, I later drove up the line to Ramsbottom, then Rawtenstall, and later Irwell Vale. On the Sunday I arrived just before lunch, again at Bolton Street and later Ramsbottom, finishing my day at Heywood when the class 70 and class 66 arrived into the town double-headed.

Locomotives rostered, Furness Railway number 20, this was the first time Ive seen this locomotive in steam, as I was out of the country the last time it visited, what a magnificent locomotive this is, especially in front of an excellently restored pair of Lancashire and Yorkshire coaches, a sight from another time. Also rostered were LMS class 23 no 11456, West Country Pacific 34092 “City of Wells”, LMS Pug 11243, class 24 D5054, (guised as D5053), Class 42 Warship “Onslaught”, Class 56006 built in 1976 at Craiova Works, Romania, and Freightliner Class 70008.

It was a fantastic two-day event and I sincerely thank all those involved in making it all come together, although I spent all my time lineside, I did spend about £40 on food and books and it was lovely to catch up with a few old friends, thank you and a big well done guys.

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East Lancs Railway. Autumn Steam Gala. Friday, Saturday Sunday 17th 18th 19th October 2025.

An East Lancs steam gala is certainly not one to be missed. I set all three days to one side for this one as I was particularly interested in seeing the Stanier Mogul and the Ivatt on ELR metals.

I arrived each day by around 07.30 at Bolton Street Station to capture the early movements and also to check out the stalls, as I am an avid railway book and DVD collector. I was however doing all three days lineside, but what I saved on ticket prices I put back by spending around £140 on books, DVDs, and food from the various station outlets. The weather was largely overcast with a few brighter spells, we did have a short period of sun on Sunday morning, but this wasn’t too last and the afternoon brought rain, turning torrential by the end of the day, but still it was a great event with the nice addition of running a late train on the Saturday night until after midnight. We did use to have all night running occasionally, I enjoyed those, but we no longer have them these days, maybe they didn’t prove cost effective, Im not sure.

On the Friday I concentrated in the Burrs Country Park area and had the pleasant surprise of observing a Mink at close quarters hunting young rabbits, which it didn’t appear very good at catching. Saturday saw me working the sections between Summerseat and Ramsbottom and Sunday the line from Ramsbottom to Rawtenstall and finishing in Heywood, so I managed a variety of locations.

Locomotives rostered were,

Guest Locomotives:
• LMS Stanier Mogul No. 13268 (Visiting courtesy of the Stanier Mogul Fund and the Severn Valley Railway)
• Ivatt 2MT No. 46441 (Visiting courtesy of the Betty Beet and the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway)
• Furness Railway No. 20 (Visiting courtesy of the Furness Railway Trust)
Home Fleet Locomotive Lineup:
• LMS ‘A Class’ No. 12322
• LMS Class 23 No. 11456
• LMS 3F ‘Jinty’ No. 7138 (47298 renumbered into its very early original LMS identity)
• Hudswell Clarke No. 32 ‘Gothenburg’
• BR Standard 4MT No. 80097
• LMS ‘Pug’ No. 11243
• Barclay 1969 ‘J. N. Derbyshire’

The event had a very strong LMS theme, with several locomotives carrying original LMS numbering, which was a nice change, and variety for the camera, although I must confess to, essentially being a BR period fan, as this was the period of my adolescence. It was however, as usual, great to catch up with many friends on the railway, more like family these days, those guys just keep going and the railway would be nothing without them. The event was stunning with so many people working so hard to provide it, thank you for an absolutely fantastic gala and keep up the excellent work, until next time.

Autumn Steam Gala - The East Lancashire Railway

www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

 

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East Lancs Railway. Diesel Railcar Gala. Saturday Sunday 8th 9th November 2025.

I’m just drying out after two excellent days attending the East Lancs Diesel Railcar weekend, I was largely under cover for Saturday mornings rain, but it caught up with me on Sunday afternoon, in between however we had some good spells, with even some sun on Saturday afternoon.

The mix of traction, as always on the East Lancs Railway, was exceptional. I had two full days on the railway, both mornings arriving at Bolton Street station at around 07.30 for the book and DVD stalls, and to catch the early morning arrival and departures, although I was largely driving between stations and lineside locations, I spent much more cash than I would have if I had bought a ticket, and I always get better photographs lineside. I covered most of the easier accessible locations, mainly on and around the stations. Lovely to catch up with many old friends including me old gaffer Phil from the glorious days of the Saturday PW Gang, who sadly a few have since passed. Ill never forget, the great days and laughs we had on the gang, fond memories. A really big thank you to all the lads and girls for another marvellous event.

Vehicle Roster,

Visiting Guest: Derby Lightweight 79900 “Iris” (Courtesy of the Great Central Railway and Renaissance Railcars)
Debut as an ELR resident: Intercity 125 HST (Courtesy of the 125 Group)
Class 104 DMU (M50455, M50517)
Class 105 ‘Cravens’ DMU (Sc51485 & E56121)
Class 122 (W55001)
Class 144 DMU (55809 & 55832)
Class 24 D5054 (Guised as D5053)
Class 03 D2062

DMU (Diesel Railcar) Gala - The East Lancashire Railway

www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

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East Lancs Railway. Saturday 15th November 2025.

I had a spare Saturday and noticed that the Derby Lightweight “Iris” was operating and since I was lineside at the Diesel Multiple Unit gala, I thought I would take the opportunity of a ride in her, as I hadn’t been on her since her time at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

After some breakfast in the platform café, I took the first service out, which ran along the Heywood line. Doing the honours was “Iris” attached to the Bubble Car class 22 W55001. Storm Claudia had been battering Manchester the night previous, this resulted in some trees hanging across the tracks around Stubbins, we were told that the DMUs may have to terminate at Ramsbottom, but by the time we arrived there, the PW gang had been on the job and we were all clear to Rawtenstall, although we did stop briefly in the platforms of Stubbins.

Returning down the line to Bury, I had the obligatory look around the bookshops, and next decided to have a ride on the Standard class 4, 80097 and rode her up to Rawtenstall and down to Heywood, before returning to Bury again. The weather was cold and variable and this was the last free weekend prior to the start of the Santa Specials. I used to enjoy volunteering on the Santas, but I always seem to be either out of Manchester with family or out of the country this time of the year, Ill get back at some point though and do my bit.

Vehicle Roster,

Visiting Guest: Derby Lightweight 79900 “Iris” (Courtesy of the Great Central Railway and Renaissance Railcars)

Class 122 (W55001)

BR Standard 4 80097

Home Page - The East Lancashire Railway

www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

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South Pennine Day Rover. Saturday 29th November 2025.

Rails of Sheffield was opening a new store in Sheffield railway station, so I thought I would take the train over there and combined my visit with a run around Yorkshire at the same time. Fellow enthusiasts and celebrities Pete Waterman and Jools Holland were at the opening and I must admit the crowds were more than I expected.

I was up for 05.00 and soon driving down to my nearest Metrolink station at Crumpsall for the first tram out to Manchester Piccadilly. I then caught the 06.42 all stopper, now a Northern class 195, through the Hope Valley line to Sheffield and the train was freezing. No sooner had I arrived than a new East Midland bi mode class 810 passed through the station on trials, but I failed to obtain a photograph of it, apparently, they have been having issues with them, so their launch has been put back.

I had an unhealthy Burger King breakfast, (which was described as sausage and egg??? ), and then checked out the Rails of Sheffield shop out, which wasn’t due to open until 10.00, so I spent some time on the railway station and was lucky to get a RHTT rail cleaner with class 66849 and class 66847 in the usually filthy winter state, but a great look. After photting some of the comings and goings I returned to the rail shop and was surprised to see a very large queue had appeared and was waiting outside for the shop to open. At 10.00 on the dot, Pete Waterman came out of the building, did a brief speech, and cut the ribbon to open the store and shortly afterwards Jools Holland also appeared, after managing a few selfies with them, (I guess I’m still a child at heart), I followed them to the station piano and Jool`s played a short boogie on the keys.

I returned to the shop, but the queue was stretching back outside the station and onto the road, so I decided to give it a miss and return to visit the shop later in the day, as it was open until 18.00. I caught a class 158 Northern Sprinter up the Penistone line to Huddersfield. Work is still going on at Huddersfield railway station with its remodelling, the plans do look impressive, but it may be some time before the work is completed, judging by the progress being made.

My next move was a Transpennine class 185 into Leeds, later retuning to Sheffield on a Lincoln service, a Northern class 158 Sprinter via Wakefield Kirkgate and Barnsley, arriving back into Sheffield for 14.30 and eventually gaining access to the Rails shop. They had some nice models on display, I was tempted by an EM1, nicely weathered, but I was put off by the £199 price tag, £120 would have been better.

After spending around 30 minutes in the shop, I next boarded another Northern Sprinter back up to Leeds, but this time via Swinton and the Wakefield Westgate midland line. I took tea in Leeds and departed at 17.00 on a Transpennine Nova 1 bi mode class 802 Liverpool service back across the Standedge line to Manchester Victoria, where I caught the tram back to the car at Crumpsall and then drove home. It was largely a cold and muggy day, but since I hadn’t been out for a while I did have an enjoyable day.

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[Rover]

I've really enjoyed reading your reports Shredder thanks and Jools Hollands' boogie woogie is second to none, I'm amazed how he plays it without even looking at the keys!

 

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I've really enjoyed reading your reports Shredder thanks and Jools Hollands' boogie woogie is second to none, I'm amazed how he plays it without even looking at the keys!

Thank you very much, yes hes a great player

 

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South Pennine and Derbyshire Wayfarer Day Rover tickets. Saturday 6th December 2025.

I fancied another ride out on the railways so decided to take a trip over to Derby, to see if I could catch up with any of the new bi mode Aurora units, which the East Midland Railways have recently started operating, but non appeared to be out. I also wanted to photograph an East Midland class 180 before they go, but these additionally avoided me, what I did manage to get though was plenty of images of the class 222 Meridian DMUs, which I expect will be replaced once the new Aurora class 810`s are all delivered.

I was on another early start with a drive down to Crumpsall Metrolink station for the first tram out at 06.09 into Manchester Piccadilly and I was making the same as last Saturday, catching a Northern class 195 at 06.40. The price of the return ticket to Sheffield was £20 with a railcar, which seems a bit steep now, but for a few pence more I could purchase a South Pennine Rover, so it made sense to do that. On arrival into Sheffield, I purchased a Derbyshire Wayfarer at £11 with a railcard.

Engineering work was taking place on the line between Chesterfield and Derby, so trains were being diverted down the Erewash Valley Line, I had to change at East Midlands Parkway but the route went via Toton yard, so that suited me fine. The depot was full as we passed with plenty of class 60s in evidence but sides of the line. On the way down my train passed the double-headed HST power car set Rail Adventure on a freight working, it later passed me after I arrived at East Midland Parkway travelling south.

A delayed EMT class 222, which was packed with football supporters, took me to Derby, it was a case of forcing yourself in the train, I was stood in the corridor, being held up by the rest of the passengers, it really was packed, literally, to the seams. On arrival into Derby the rain had started to come down quite hard, so after a few photographs around the station I went into Greggs for a bite to eat. Not much was around, so after a few hours, I decided to return to East Midlands Parkway.

The train back up to Sheffield was delayed by nearly an hour, although it did give me chance to take a few photographs of Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station and I also caught up with a GWR class 165 (119) presumably on its way to Derby, this was followed by class 60 028 also heading north light engine, possibly visiting Toton.

The late running EMR class 222 eventually arrived, apparently someone had been hit by a train, was the reason for the delay. However, just prior to arriving into Chesterfield, the train manager announce that it was now only going as far as Chesterfield and everyone had to alight. Another train was due, a Sprinter on a Nottingham to Leeds service, but it would not be able to take all the passengers on the platform at Chesterfield, I was lucky in that I managed to squeeze on, but many were left behind. I decided to keep on that train to Leeds.

I spent around a half hour on the platforms at Leeds before catching a Northern class 195 Chester service, via Bradford and Halifax on the Calder Valley line to Manchester Victoria, for the tram back to my car and the short drive home, so I had, had a full day and also completed some mileage, despite the dark overcast and sometimes rainy weather, it was still an enjoyable day out.

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Nene Valley Railway. Sunday 14th December 2025.

I drove down to my son`s for Christmas, he bought a house on the side of the Fens, Peterborough, so I decided to spend a few weeks with him. The drive from Manchester takes me 3 hours and I’m not a great fan of driving too far these days, but rail travel isn’t really an option. However, I always stop off at the Nene Valley Railway, at Wansford which is on route.

The Santa Specials were in full swing and the railway was using the former BR Riddles class 2 MT 2-6-0 78019 on loan from the Great Central Railway. I’ve always had a soft spot for the design, although I prefer the original Ivatt version, fortunately examples of both have been preserved. On the rear was former BR Paxton, Class 14 (Type 1) 0-6-0 Diesel Hydraulic 9529. I caught up with the train again at Overton, before driving to my son`s for Christmas. Always nice to catch up with family.

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Hereward Line, The Fens. Monday 15th December 2025.

I was staying at my son`s house in Peterborough over Christmas, although he still had a few days at work to complete, being a solicitor, he has his own office in the house, so does a lot of work from his home, this arrangement works well for both of us, as I can come and go as I please. My first day back on the Fens chasing freight. The Hereward line which runs from Peterborough to Ely is presently the busiest freight lane in the UK, the bulk of goods appears to be container traffic from the docks at Felixstowe to the north and midlands. I’ve been photting at a variety of locations over the last few years, the Hereford line has many crossings, the Fens being a flat area. On this day I started off my driving to Whittlesea and later over to the various crossings around Three Horseshoes at Turves.

Freight passing included 69002, 66181, 66607, 66721, 66780, 66707, 66413, 66168, ,66756, 66747, 66097, 66507, 66522, 66786. Although it was a cold day, we did have blue skies and sunshine for most of the day. My routine is to sit in the car at the side of a crossing and as the gates come down, I leap out of the car to take my photos. For breakfast I usually visit a McDonalds outside Peterborough or the Wetherspoons in Whittlesea, which is only a short drive from my son`s house. It had been a good day back down there.

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