This day in history 28 March

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Troon: An Ayr - Glasgow train arriving at Troon on 28 March 1955 behind BR Standard class 5 4-6-0 73055.

Troon Loop (Glasgow and South Western Railway)
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1955


Partickhill: Gresley N2 0-6-2T 69563 arrives at Partickhill on 28 March 1957 at the head of a Hyndland to Easterhouse train. See image [[29517]]

Stobcross Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1957


Haymarket Shed [2nd]: Ready for the road. A1 Pacific no 60162 'Saint Johnstoun' prepares to move off Haymarket shed on 28 March 1959 and head for Waverley station. See image [[37469]]

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1959


Haymarket Shed [2nd]: A3 Pacific no 60035 Windsor Lad prepares to move off Haymarket shed and head for Waverley in March 1959.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1959


Burnton Viaduct: Fairburn tank 42131 brings a train for Dalmellington over Burnton Viaduct on 28 March 1959.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Holehouse Junction: Fairburn tank 42131 about to run south through Holehouse Junction on 28 March 1959 on its way to Dalmellington. The train is passing the site of the former station (closed 1950)

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Haymarket Shed [2nd]: A1 Pacific no 60162 Saint Johnstoun photographed on its home shed at 64B Haymarket on 28 March 1959.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1959


Hollybush: 2P 4-4-0 40574 takes a train through the cutting near Hollybush on 28 March 1959 on its way from Dalmellington to Ayr.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Ayr Viaduct: Fairburn tank 42195 crossing the River Ayr on 28 March 1959 with a train from Glasgow.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Haymarket Shed [2nd]: View east towards Waverley from alongside Haymarket shed on 28 March 1959. The signal box in the right background on the south side of the E&G main line is Haymarket Central Junction. The locomotive featured is Gresley A3 Pacific no 60040 'Cameronian'.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1959


Haymarket Shed [2nd]: Thompson B1 4-6-0 no 61245 Murray of Elibank in the yard at 64B on 28 March 1959. The locomotive spent most of its life here before seeing out its final two years or so at nearby Dalry Road. 61245 was finaly withdrawn from 64C in July of 1965 and cut up at Motherwell Machinery & Scrap, Wishaw, the following month.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1959


Haymarket Shed [2nd]: Visiting A3 Pacific no 60093 Coronach, a Carlisle Canal 'lifer', stands in sunshine on Haymarket shed in 1959.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1959


Lochgreen Junction: Hurlford class 2P 4-4-0 40597 passing Lochgreen Junction on 28 March 1959 at the head of a Dalmellington - Kilmarnock train.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Waterside: Ex-LMS 2P 4-4-0 40574 leaving Waterside on 28 March 1959 heading for Ayr.

Ayrshire and Galloway Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Haymarket Shed [2nd]: V3 2-6-2T no 67615 stands on Haymarket shed on 28 March 1959.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1959


Troon: Standard class 5 4-6-0 73103 runs into Troon on 28 March 1959 with an Ayr - Glasgow train.

Troon Loop (Glasgow and South Western Railway)
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Burnton Viaduct: BR Standard class 3MT 2-6-0 77017 crossing Burnton Viaduct on 28 March 1959 with a Dalmellington - Ayr train.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Haymarket Shed [2nd]: Resident A3 Pacific no 60035 Windsor Lad photographed on shed at Haymarket in March 1959.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1959


Haymarket Shed [2nd]: A3 Pacific no 60071 Tranquil on the turntable at Haymarket MPD in March 1959.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1959


Monkton: Ex-LMS 4F 0-6-0 44331 approaching the site of Monkton Junction with a northbound freight on 28 March 1959. The town of Prestwick stands in the background. [Ref query 3418]

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Dalmellington: 2P 4-4-0 40574 awaiting departure time from Dalmellington on 28 March 1959.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Prestwick: An Ayr - Glasgow train arrives at Prestwick on 28 March 1959 behind Crab 2-6-0 42808.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Haymarket Shed [2nd]: View east showing J36 no 65235 Gough standing on Haymarket shed in March 1959 (temporarily nameless). Spanning the tracks in the right background is the bridge carrying the Caledonian suburban line, with Coltbridge Junction signal box visible on the embankment.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1959


Haymarket Shed [2nd]: Gresley V2 no 60898 looking ready for the road on Haymarket shed in March 1959. The locomotive is a visitor from 61B Aberdeen, Ferryhill.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1959


Haymarket Shed [2nd]: Portrait of Gateshead A3 Pacific no 60040 Cameronian on the turntable at Haymarket shed in March 1959. Editor's note: This is one of a number of 'Snapper' images resubmitted via Bruce McCartney following disassembly, cleaning and re-scanning of the original glass-mounted slides by Geoff Cryer (of 'Geoff's Pages') to whom we are all indebted.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1959


Haymarket Shed [2nd]: D3730 stands in the sidings alongside Haymarket shed in March 1959.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1959


Cutler Sidings: BR standard Class 3 2-6-0 77017 near the Cutler bridge, Waterside, with an Ayr to Dalmellington train on 28 March 1959.

Ayrshire and Galloway Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Dalmellington: 2P 4-4-0 40574 arriving at Dalmellington on 28 March 1959 with a train from Ayr.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Dalmellington: A Fairburn 2-6-4T running tender first approaching Dalmellington station on 28 March 1959 with a train from Ayr.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Dalmellington: BR Standard class 3MT 2-6-0 77017 about to pass below Minnivey bridge with a northbound train shortly after leaving Dalmellington on 28 March 1959. The locomotive spent its entire life at Hurlford shed, having been delivered new from Swindon in 1954. It was withdrawn in November 1966 and broken up by T W Ward at Wishaw five months later. [Ref query 19422]

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Haymarket Central Junction: Gleaming A1 Pacific no 60162 'Saint Johnstoun' has just cleared the bridge carrying the Caledonian Leith lines over the E&G and is about to run past its home shed at Haymarket on 28 March 1959 with a train for Aberdeen.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1959


Hollybush: BR standard Mogul 77017 arriving at Hollybush station on 28 March 1959 with a train from Dalmellington heading for Ayr.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Dalmellington: Fairburn tank 42131 preparing to take a train away from Dalmellington in March 1959.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Patna [1st]: Fairburn 2-6-4T 42131 photographed approaching Patna, Ayrshire, in 1959 with a train for Dalmellington.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Troon: Class 2P 4-4-0 40595 leaving Troon on 28 March 1959 with an Ayr to Kilmarnock train.

Troon Loop (Glasgow and South Western Railway)
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Hollybush: A train for Dalmellington passing Hollybush on 28 March 1959 behind 2P 4-4-0 40574.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Prestwick: An Ayr bound train photographed at speed near Prestwick on Saturday 28 March 1959. Locomotive in charge is Jubilee 45711 Courageous.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Holehouse Junction: Scene on the Ayr & Dalmellington route in the spring of 1959 showing Fairburn 2-6-4T no 42131 with a train on Holehouse curve.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Haymarket Central Junction: A 2-car DMU heading east on the E&G on 28 March 1959, seen from the sidings alongside Haymarket shed. The signal box at Haymarket Central Junction stands in the left background.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1959


Prestwick: Ayr's Horwich Mugul no 42808 surrounds itself in steam as it restarts a train for St Enoch away from the Prestwick stop in the spring of 1959.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Bathgate Shed: B1 4-6-0 no 61345 is in a lineup of 'stored' locomotives on the south side of Bathgate shed on 28 March 1964. 61345 had been withdrawn from St Margarets shed in June 1961 and was eventually cut up in the yard of Messrs Campbell of Airdrie in September 1966.

Edinburgh and Bathgate Railway
K A Gray 1964


Bathgate Yard: Some 5 months after withdrawal from St Margaret's shed, Gresley A3 60099 Call Boy stands in the yard at Bathgate awaiting its fate. The locomotive was cut up by Messrs Arnott Young, Carmyle, 3 months later. See image [[37003]]

Edinburgh and Bathgate Railway
K A Gray 1964


Dalry Road Shed: Standing alongside the shed at Dalry Road on 28 March 1964 is BR Standard tank no 80022. In the background is Fairburn 42273, a regular on station pilot duties at nearby Princes Street see image [[33025]].

Caledonian Railway
K A Gray 1964


Cowlairs Incline: A2 60527 Sun Chariot storms up Cowlairs Incline shortly after leaving Glasgow Queen Street on 28 March 1964 with Scottish Rambler No 3. The Pacific took the special as far as Dundee.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
John Robin 1964


Buchanan Street: Gresley A4 Pacific 60027 Merlin getting underway from Buchanan Street on 28 March 1964 with the morning three hour train to Aberdeen.

Buchanan Street Extension (Caledonian Railway)
John Robin 1964


Bathgate Shed: Stored B1 4-6-0 61351 at Bathgate in March 1964. The locomotive would not be officially withdrawn from Dalry Road shed for a further 4 months, before finally being cut up at Darlington Works in September the same year.

Edinburgh and Bathgate Railway
K A Gray 1964


Bathgate Shed: Scene in the yard at Bathgate on a gloomy 28 March 1964. By this time many of the locomotives occupying the yard were stored awaiting disposal, including Holmes NB J83 0-6-0T 68477 which had been withdrawn from St Margarets at the end of 1962. In the background in front of the shed J36 and B1 locomotives are in steam.

Edinburgh and Bathgate Railway
K A Gray 1964


Stirling Shed [CR]: Gresley V2 2-6-2 no 60835 takes an up train past Stirling South shed on a murky March day in 1964.

Scottish Central Railway
K A Gray 1964


Kingsmuir: Running round 'Scottish Rambler No 3' at Kingsmuir on the Dundee - Forfar direct line on 28 March 1964. J37 0-6-0 no 64618 from Thornton Junction handled this section of the tour which took in local branch lines around Dundee.

Dundee and Forfar Direct Railway
Andy Carr Collection 1964


Bathgate Yard: One of the many withdrawn steam locomotives to pass through Bathgate Yard while awaiting disposal was A3 60101 Cicero, photographed here in the spring of 1964. Withdrawn from St Margarets in April 1963, the Pacific was eventually cut up by Arnott Young at Carmyle some 3 months after this photograph was taken.

Edinburgh and Bathgate Railway
K A Gray 1964


Stirling: Stanier Pacific no 46237 City of Bristol calls at Stirling on an overcast March day in 1964 with the 10.10 Euston - Perth.

Scottish Central Railway
K A Gray 1964


Pollokshaws East: BR Standard class 5 4-6-0 no 73062 with a football special on the Cathcart Circle approaching Pollokshaws East on Saturday 28 March 1964, seen from the former goods yard. The train was travelling away from Hampden having presumably dropped its passengers at Kings Park or Mount Florida to watch the semi final of the Scottish Cup (Rangers 1 Dunfermline Athletic 0).

Cathcart District Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1964


Stirling: Gresley V2 2-6-2 no 60955 taking on water at Stirling on 28 March 1964 at the head of the 3.30pm Aberdeen - Carstairs postal.

Scottish Central Railway
K A Gray 1964


Stirling: Black 5 no 44788 pulls into Stirling on 28 March 1964 with the 5.12pm Glasgow Buchanan Street - Callander train.

Scottish Central Railway
K A Gray 1964


St Margarets Shed: Snow-plough fitted J38 0-6-0 no 65922 in the yard at St Margarets in the spring of 1964.

North British Railway
K A Gray 1964


Bathgate Shed: Following withdrawal from Edinburgh's Dalry Road shed at the end of 1962, McIntosh 3F 0-6-0 57550 spent a period in the yard at Bathgate 'stored awaiting disposal'. The locomotive, seen here minus various components at Bathgate in March 1964, was eventually cut up by Messrs Arnott Young, Carmyle, in June of that year. See image [[28378]]

Edinburgh and Bathgate Railway
K A Gray 1964


Stirling: A2 60532 'Blue Peter' arrives at Stirling on 28 March 1964 with the 5.30pm Glasgow Buchanan Street - Aberdeen.

Scottish Central Railway
K A Gray 1964


Bathgate Shed: A2 no 60537 Bachelor's Button stands in the 'locomotives awaiting disposal' sidings at Bathgate on 28 March 1964. Withdrawn from St Margarets at the end of 1962 after just over 14 years service, the Pacific was eventually cut up at Messrs Henderson of Airdrie in June 1964. For a view of the locomotive in its heyday see image [[30174]].

Edinburgh and Bathgate Railway
K A Gray 1964


Aberystwyth: BR No. 7 Owain Glyndwr simmers outside the shed at Aberystwyth prior to working the 13.30 service to Devil's Bridge on Easter Monday 1975. There's just a glimmer of sunshine and no hint of the winter conditions prevailing at the top of the line.

Vale of Rheidol Railway
Bill Jamieson 1975


Aberystwyth: Front end close-up of Vale of Rheidol No 9 'Prince of Wales' inside Aberystwyth Shed at Easter 1975.

Vale of Rheidol Railway
Bill Jamieson 1975


Devils Bridge: No. 9 Prince of Wales, on the 14.15 departure from Aberystwyth, having to cope with heavy snow as it struggles uphill about half a mile short of its destination at Devil's Bridge on 28 March 1975. The fireman can be dimly made out sanding from the front buffer beam in a scene more reminiscent of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

Vale of Rheidol Railway
Bill Jamieson 1975


Mytholmes Viaduct: KWVR 0-6-0ST Fred, built as RSH 7289/1945 and employed prior to preservation by the NCB at Walkden and Leigh collieries. The loco, which had been modified with a gas producer combustion system (including a very distinctive chimney) in 1963, was initially preserved on the KWVR where it is seen working uphill between Mytholmes Viaduct and Tunnel with a motley collection of coaches in March 1976. It has since migrated south and is currently based at Tyseley.

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
Bill Jamieson 1976


Haworth: Once taken over by the KWVR the former goods yard at Haworth became a hive of activity on Sundays, as seen here. Fowler 4F No. 43924, one of the first Barry scrapyard escapees, is perhaps of less interest to some than JKY 912F, an Austin A55 van (or is it the Morris badged version?), which presumably has not survived. Thought to be Sunday 28th March 1976.

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
Bill Jamieson 1976


Oxenhope: The paint brush is out at Oxenhope on 28 March 1976, all part of getting the station spick and span for Easter, which is only a few weeks away.

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
Bill Jamieson 1976


Haworth: Ivatt 2MT tank No. 41241 in a version of LMS red with the Keighley and Worth Valley initials on its tank sides stands in Haworth Yard on Sunday 28 March 1976.

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
Bill Jamieson 1976


Haworth: Midland 4F 0-6-0 43924 in the yard at Haworth in March 1976, carrying a 55F Manningham shed plate. See image [[37315 for the same scene thirty six years later.]]

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
Bill Jamieson 1976


Oxenhope: Early Spring sunshine at Oxenhope station, the attractive terminus of the KWVR, on 28 March 1976.

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
Bill Jamieson 1976


Usan Signal Box: Looking south to Usan signalbox on 28 March 1987. The 'box closed in 2010. See image [[18177]]

North British, Arbroath and Montrose Railway
Bill Roberton 1987


Clachnaharry: The signal box at Clachnaharry on 28 March 1988.

Inverness and Ross-shire Railway
Bill Roberton 1988


Clachnaharry: The signal box at Clachnaharry in March 1988. View west towards Beauly.

Inverness and Ross-shire Railway
Bill Roberton 1988


Clachnaharry: Looking east to the swing bridge and signalbox, Clachnaharry, with the Kessock Bridge in the background.

Inverness and Ross-shire Railway
Bill Roberton 1988


Clachnaharry Swing Bridge: Fishing boat heading south along the Caledonian Canal past Clachnaharry swing bridge.

Inverness and Ross-shire Railway
Bill Roberton 1988


Bilston Glen Colliery: 37080 waits at the closed Bilston Glen Colliery, as her train is filled with the last of the stockpiled coal, on 28 March 1991.

Edinburgh, Loanhead and Roslin Railway
Bill Roberton 1991


Loanhead: Locomotive 37080, in the hands of driver Alistair Robertson, nears Loanhead on 28 March 1991. The train of empty hoppers, believed to be the last, has been sent to clear remaining stocks of coal from Bilston Glen Colliery, which had been officially closed in 1989. See image [[37871]] for the view twenty years later.

Edinburgh, Loanhead and Roslin Railway
Bill Roberton 1991


Duddingston Brewery: By 1930, thanks to an abundance of good quality local spring water (and the railway) Duddingston played host to the seven breweries of Messrs Deuchar, Drybrough, Maclachlan, Raeburn, Steel Coulson, T.Y.Paterson and North British - all of them rail served. The entrance gates to the demolished Deuchar's Duddingston Brewery stand alongside Duddingston Road in March 2007 - though probably not for much longer, given the surrounding area has been cleared ready for planned new commercial developments. See image [[60481]]

Edinburgh, Suburban and Southside Junction Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Duddingston: Platform remains at Duddingston station on the Edinburgh sub looking east on 28 March 2007 with Virgin Thunderbird no 57312 'The Hood' passing through.

Edinburgh, Suburban and Southside Junction Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Duddingston: Virgin Thunderbird no 57312 'The Hood' westbound on the Edinburgh 'sub' on a dull morning in March 2007. The locomotive is about to pass through the site of the former Duddingston station (full title Duddingston and Craigmillar), closed in September 1962.

Edinburgh, Suburban and Southside Junction Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Duddingston: EWS 66008 runs east along the 'sub' in March 2007 heading for Millerhill yard. The locomotive is passing the remains of Duddingston station.

Edinburgh, Suburban and Southside Junction Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Duddingston: A class 66 about to run through the remains of Duddingston station heading for Waverley on 28 March 2007. The locomotive was on Sleeper duty and was on its way back from a visit to the servicing facilities at Millerhill Yard. The remains of the old station platform can be clearly seen on the left, but on the right only the concrete posts that once held the running-in board survive.

Edinburgh, Suburban and Southside Junction Railway
John Furnevel 2007


Pickering: 60019 Bittern departing over the level crossing at Pickering for Grosmont on 28 March 2008 as part of the NYMR steam weekend extravaganza.

Whitby and Pickering Railway
Peter Todd 2008


Pickering: 60009 Union of South Africa brings a train into Pickering on 28 March 2008.

Whitby and Pickering Railway
Peter Todd 2008


Inverkeithing Shipbreaking Yard: Scene at the R M Supplies (formerly James A White) scrapyard at Inverkeithing on 28 March showing the remains of one of the yards Fowler 0-4-0 DM shunters. (Access by kind permission of RMS.)

Dunfermline and Queensferry Railway
Grant Robertson 2008


Inverkeithing Shipbreaking Yard: Disused trackwork at the R M Supplies scrapyard, Inverkeithing, on 28 March 2008 with the northern approach arch of Jamestown Viaduct on the main line visible in the backgound. [Access by kind permission of RMS.]

Dunfermline and Queensferry Railway
Grant Robertson 2008


Inverkeithing Shipbreaking Yard: A slight problem with the points? R M Supplies scrapyard, Inverkeithing, on 28 March 2008. [Access by kind permission of RMS.]

Dunfermline and Queensferry Railway
Grant Robertson 2008


Inverkeithing Shipbreaking Yard: An out-of-use rail mounted crane stands in the scrapyard of R M Supplies, Inverkeithing, on 28 March. [Access by kind permission of RMS.]

Dunfermline and Queensferry Railway
Grant Robertson 2008


Inverkeithing Shipbreaking Yard: View from the window of the old weighbridge office in the Inverkeithing scrapyard of R M Supplies Ltd on 28 March 2008. The Rosyth Dockyard branch runs past the site on the other side of the concrete-panelled wall. [Access by kind permission of RMS]

Dunfermline and Queensferry Railway
Grant Robertson 2008


Martholme Viaduct: The curved viaduct on the LYR Padiham Loop between Simonstone and Great Harwood opened in 1877 and last carried trains in 1964 but thankfully is a listed structure as it looks magnificent. (Map Ref SD 751338)

North Lancashire Loop (Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway)
Mark Bartlett 2008


Inverkeithing Shipbreaking Yard: Close up of the front of the abandoned Fowler DM shunter at R M Supplies, Inverkeithing on 28 March 2008, with the lettering John Williams (Wishaw) Ltd still visible on the rust. [Railscot note: The John Williams Excelsior Works was a medium sized malleable iron works, started in 1866 and specialising in iron sheets, rolled in sheet mills. In 1879 it installed the first three open hearth furnaces in Motherwell for the manufacture of steel. However, its experiments were not successful and other firms went on to capture the steel market. Williams went on to manufacture wire, nails, staples, rivets and washers.]

Dunfermline and Queensferry Railway
Grant Robertson 2008


Statfold Barn: A pair of pannier tanks standing at the depot of the privately owned narrow gauge Statfold Barn Railway, near Tamworth, Staffs, on 28 March 2009.

Statfold Barn Railway
Peter Todd 2009


North Queensferry: The new Edinburgh - Perth shuttle service, comprising a partially re-liveried First Scotrail 158, reaches the north shore of the Forth on 28 March.

Forth Bridge Railway
Brian Forbes 2009


Paisley Abercorn: Poor old Paisley Abercorn... seen on 28 March 2009 from the same viewpoint as the photograph from 1966 see image [[19006]]. Not much sign of even a cycle path now.

Paisley and Renfrew Railway
Colin Miller 2009


Carlisle: Stanier Pacific 6233 Duchess of Sutherland about to take the Cumbrian Mountain Express south out of Carlisle platform 3 on 28 March 2009.

Lancaster and Carlisle Railway
Brian Smith 2009


Statfold Barn: Scene on the Statfold Barn Railway on 28 March 2009. Note the dual gauge (2ft and 2 ft 6in) track.

Statfold Barn Railway
Peter Todd 2009


Statfold Barn: Narrow gauge locomotive Sragi outside the depot at the privately owned Statfold Barn Railway on 28 March.

Statfold Barn Railway
Peter Todd 2009


Glen Ogle Viaduct: Glen Ogle viaduct seen in March 2009

Callander and Oban Railway
James Young 2009


Crossroads: The building at Crossroads station seen in 2010 in a view looking east across the former trackbed. Opened 1832 and possibly closed around 1853, although the line remained open until 1861 when the Lochee Deviation opened. The building is within the grounds of King's Cross Hospital. Clepington Road is immediately to the left out of the view.

Dundee and Newtyle Railway
Ewan Crawford 2010


Bo'ness: 37025 Inveness TMD stands at Boness on a wet Sunday 28 March 2010. The locomotive was in action shortly afterwards with a train to Manuel.

Slamannan and Borrowstounness Railway
Brian Forbes 2010


Durham: Scene at Blanchland Avenue, Durham, in the early hours of Sunday 28 March 2010, as the world's most powerful mobile crane lifts the new footbridge into position over the East Coast Main Line.

Network Rail
Network Rail 2010


Law Incline: Looking down the former Law Incline towards the Somerville Place overline bridge from the top of Drummond Street. The line was in a cutting with sides of dressed stonework and had three rails, one for up, one shared and one down. The grass covers the infilled cutting. The line here opened in 1832 with the extension from the temporary Top of Law terminus to Ward Street/Road. It closed in 1861 with the opening of the deviation via Lochee.

Dundee and Newtyle Railway
Ewan Crawford 2010


Law Incline Engine: This is the view looking south down Upper Constitution Street from Kinghorne Road. Behind the wall was the alignment of the Dundee and Newtyle's Law Incline and, in particular, the Law Incline Engine and southern portal of the Law Tunnel. Houses were built over this portion of the alignment.

Dundee and Newtyle Railway
Ewan Crawford 2010


Blackford: DRS 66413 heads south from Blackford with eight TTA tanks on 28 March. [Subsequently established that the train is the 6D50 Inverness - Mossend (MO) empty tanks, a new service, presumably originating at Lairg.]

Scottish Central Railway
Bill Roberton 2011


Blackford: 170 419 nears Blackford on 28 March with a Glasgow Queen Street - Aberdeen service.  Stuc a'Chroin and Ben Vorlich dominate the background.

Scottish Central Railway
Bill Roberton 2011


Cropredy: A down Chiltern Trains unit heads North from Banbury past the pleasant Oxfordshire village of Cropredy in March 2012. The village station closed in 1956, but the radio mast on the right gives an up-to-date touch.

Birmingham and Oxford Railway
Ken Strachan 2012


Falkland Yard: The 10.43 Ayr - Glasgow Central passing the almost deserted Falkland yards on a bright misty morning in March 2012 see image [[8261]].

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
Colin Miller 2012


Woodford Halse: The Southern end of the platforms at Woodford Halse returning to nature in March 2012. Being very much a railway community the closure of the junction station, the yards and the large locomotive shed had a devastating effect at the time see image [[31459]]. But that was over 40 years ago, and the town is now 'back in business' - unlike the GCR.

London Extension (Great Central Railway)
Ken Strachan 2012


Falkland Yard: The only part of Falkland yard in use on 28 March 2012 was this area on the down side. The wagons in the siding appear to be cripples.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
Colin Miller 2012


Sheriffhall City Bypass Overbridge: The Borders Railway bridge/tunnel at Sheriffhall on 28 March 2014, seen from a car westbound on the diverted section of the Edinburgh city bypass heading towards Sheriffhall roundabout (eventually). Some infill has now been carried out in preparation for restoration of the original road.

Millerhill Deviation (Network Rail)
John Furnevel 2014


Newtongrange: Looking south over the site of the planned Newtongrange station on 28 March 2014.

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
John Furnevel 2014


Wigtown: 'The next narrow boat from Newton Stewart...' the station site at Wigtown in March 2014. See image [[27486]]

Wigtownshire Railway
Colin Miller 2014


Luton: This photograph, looking North from Luton station footbridge, (see image [[47036]] for an opposed view) will be a bit of a shock for those who knew this location with two stations in parallel. An up EMU approaches the Midland Railway station on the right, while the turning area in the centre of the picture is on the site of the former Great Northern tracks. The busway laid on the trackbed to Dunstable can be seen rising rapidly in the left background.

Hertford, Luton and Dunstable Railway
Ken Strachan 2014


Sheriffhall [2nd]: Long walk. The Waverley trackbed looking south from the A6106 bridge towards Eskbank on 28 March 2014.

Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway
John Furnevel 2014


Brunstane: The 11.51 Glenrothes with Thornton - Newcraighall DMU calls at Brunstane on 28 March 2014.

North British Railway
John Furnevel 2014


Luton: Effective transport interchange: looking South from the steps leading to Luton station footbridge, a down EMU approaches the platforms on the left. The green bus is about to take the guided busway to Dunstable; while the white coach is headed for Birmingham. The goods yard has gone, and the GNR Trackbed to Hatfield (right) see image [[27049]] is no longer even used as a car park; but you cant make an omelette without breaking eggs.

Midland Railway
Ken Strachan 2014


Luton: Approaching Luton station on the guided busway, some gradients far too steep for trains are apparent. There is, however, a nice tarmac cycle path on the right. The battleship-camouflaged building left of centre is the recently built multi-storey car park on the High Town side of Luton station; a brick railway viaduct has been demolished in front of the brickbuilt office block just visible on the left - hence the gradient.

Luton, Dunstable and Welwyn Junction Railway
Ken Strachan 2014


Leyland: Ex LMS Jubilee 45690 Leander heads south at Leyland with the Preston to Shrewsbury leg of the Salopian Express on 28 March 2015. The tour had earlier arrived at Preston from Bishop Auckland diesel hauled.

North Union Railway
John McIntyre 2015


Statfold Barn: An 0-4-0 VBT 'Chartley', built in 1955, seen here on 28 March 2015 in the garden railway at Statfold Barn.

Statfold Barn Railway
Peter Todd 2015


Wansford: 43049, with UK Railtours' excursion from St. Pancras, at Wansford, Nene Valley Railway, on 28th March 2015. The train travelled via Leicester, Melton Mowbray, Oakham and Stamford to Peterborough and then negotiated the little-used Fletton Loop to gain access to the NVR.

Peterborough Branch (London and Birmingham Railway)
David Bosher 2015


Statfold Barn: The restored Davenport 0-4-0 (works 1586/1917) formerly operated by the Ryam Sugar Company in Bihar. Seen here on the Statfold Barn Railway on 28 March 2015. See image [[47215]].

Statfold Barn Railway
Peter Todd 2015


Statfold Barn: Scene on the Statfold Barn Railway on 28 March 2015. Nearest the camera is Bagnall 4-4-0T (2820/1945) Issibuto.

Statfold Barn Railway
Peter Todd 2015


Yarwell Junction: 43046 with 43049 with UK Railtours' excursion from London St. Pancras at Yarwell Junction station on the Nene Valley Railway, on 28th March 2015. 43046 later became one of the two LSL Midland Pullman power cars and has widely toured the UK. After visiting the Nene Valley Railway, this excursion travelled via Peterborough, Ely and King's Lynn (reversing on each occasion) and paid a visit to the short Middleton Towers freight branch (see my photo image no. 71620), the sole surviving section of the line to Dereham via Swaffham that closed in 1968, despite the fact it was never listed in the Beeching Report.

Peterborough Branch (London and Birmingham Railway)
David Bosher 2015


King's Lynn: 43046 with 43049 heading away from King's Lynn along the remains of the line to Dereham via Swaffham that closed to passengers in September 1968, even though it was NOT listed in the Beeching Report. Only this short section to Middleton Towers remains open for sand traffic. The train is passing the point where the much-lamented Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway, closed in 1959, once passed overhead and whose disused embankment and bridge abutments remains are still visible. This view is on 28th March 2015; earlier in the day this UK Railtours excursion from London St. Pancras had visited the Nene Valley Railway.

Lynn and Ely Railway
David Bosher 2015


Statfold Barn: 'Sybil Mary' [Hunslet Engineering 921/1906] in action on the Statfold Barn Railway on 28 March 2015.

Statfold Barn Railway
Peter Todd 2015


Statfold Barn: 0-4-4-0T Mallet SF Dajibarang No 9 at Statfold Barn on 28 March 2015. See image [[46863]]

Statfold Barn Railway
Peter Todd 2015


Wansford: 43046 with 43049 with UK Railtours' excursion from London St. Pancras calling at Wansford station on its way back from Yarwell Junction on the Nene Valley Railway, on 28th March 2015. There were no scheduled heritage services on the NNR on this day, the line was opened up especially for the UK Railtours visit - and the station restaurant at Wansford did a roaring trade!

Peterborough Branch (London and Birmingham Railway)
David Bosher 2015


Statfold Barn: Hunslet 0-4-0ST Howard (1842/1936) with a train on the Statfold Barn Railway on 28 March 2015.

Statfold Barn Railway
Peter Todd 2015


Statfold Barn: Hunslet Engineering Quarry 0-4-0ST Jack Lane (3904 of 2005) pauses at Statfold Barn on 28 March.

Statfold Barn Railway
Peter Todd 2015


Statfold Barn: Hunslet Engineering Quarry 0-4-0ST Jack Lane (3904 of 2005) in action at Statfold Barn on 28 March 2015.

Statfold Barn Railway
Peter Todd 2015


Statfold Barn: Hudswell-Clarke 0-4-0ST no 19 CSR Co Ltd [1056/1914] photograph on the Statfold Barn Railway in March 2015.

Statfold Barn Railway
Peter Todd 2015


Statfold Barn: Shining example. A Simplex tractor towing a WW2 Royal Artillery Searchlight at Statfold Barn on 28 March 2015.

Statfold Barn Railway
Peter Todd 2015


Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway: A passenger at Stratford-on-Avon Parkway runs for the 1656 to Stourbridge Junction, formed by 172219, on 28 March 2015. This recently opened station has long platforms, a large car park, frequent buses to the town centre and new housing nearby.

Stratford-on-Avon Railway
Ken Strachan 2015


Auchendinny: The remains of an old loading dock in the woods at Auchendinny on the Penicuik branch. Photograph taken in March 2006 looking out from the buffer stops towards the trackbed (now a walkway). The remains of the passenger platform are just off to the right - see [[42973]].

Penicuik Railway
John Furnevel 2016


Auchendinny Tunnel: On leaving the west portal of Auchendinny tunnel, trains on the Penicuik Railway crossed a bowstring girder bridge over the North Esk before reaching the station. The overgrown platform stands on the left immediately beyond the bridge in this view from the tunnel on a bright but chilly morning in March 2016. The route now forms part of a walkway.

Penicuik Railway
John Furnevel 2016


Berwick-upon-Tweed: A comprehensive sign at Berwick. Galashiels interchange probably has the greater claim to serving the borders.

North British Railway
John Yellowlees 2016


Pettycur Harbour: 170425 passes Pettycur Bay with an Inverness - Edinburgh service. In the background is Pettycur Harbour, which was used to deliver materials for construction of the Edinburgh and Northern Railway. The branch line created would later serve a coke works and bottleworks. Sand was extracted from the beach below and drawn up an inclined tramway by a stationary engine on the headland now occupied by a caravan site, to the rear of the train. See the OS 25' map of 1914.

Edinburgh and Northern Railway
Bill Roberton 2016


Carrbridge: Class 60 No.60087 CLIC Sargent running light engine from Oxwellmains Lafarge to Inverness Lafarge is pictured approaching Carrbridge.

Inverness and Aviemore Direct Railway (Highland Railway)
John Gray 2016


Eskbridge: Route of the Penicuik Railway shortly after leaving Eskbridge station (off picture to the left) heading for Auchendinny. This bridge carried the line over the Loan Burn, which enters the River North Esk immediately behind the camera. View is west on 28 March 2016, nearly 50 years after closure.

Penicuik Railway
John Furnevel 2016


Auchendinny Viaduct: Standing on the bank of the North Esk at Auchendinny looking east in March 2016, with the surviving station platform beyond the wall on the right see image [[5609]]. Here the river first runs below the old railway bridge (which carried the line into Auchendinny Tunnel) then below the B7029 road bridge, which spanned both the raiway and the river.

Penicuik Railway
John Furnevel 2016


Slochd Viaduct: A different view of Slochd Viaduct with 68018 Vigilant again on the Inverness-- Mossend container train.

Inverness and Aviemore Direct Railway (Highland Railway)
John Gray 2016


Sipplingen: Trailer car 928.549 and power car 628.549 about to depart Sipplingen on the Friedrichshafen to Radolfzell shuttle service. These units are part of one of the second series (comprising about 300 sets) of lightweight DMUs built for DB branch line use between 1993 and 1995. Originally allocated to Braunschweig, it probably now operates out of Ulm - with thanks to Bill Jamieson for locomotive information. The Bodensee (Lake Constance) is just visible through the trees to the left of the train. Interestingly, although this line is not electrified, the warning sign clearly depicts an electric locomotive!

Großherzoglich Badische Staatseisenbahnen
Norman Glen 2017


Dalgety Bay: BTP-branded 170407 draws away from Dalgety Bay with a Fife Inner Circle service on 28 March.

Aberdour Line (North British Railway)
Bill Roberton 2017


Tweedbank Junction: An Edinburgh service, having just set off from Tweedbank approaches the points for the single track section through Galashiels to Bowland Junction. This unit has been in Scotland 10 years see image [[25650]] but still has its English (and rather nasal) automated safety announcements. 'Safely stowed' indeed. Whoever says stowed?

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
David Panton 2017


Rylstone: A gap in the trees alongside the B6265 road allows this snap of GBRf 66714 with the leading wagon of a train it has just brought to Rylstone from Hull. The wagon was deposited here (for maintenance?) while the resident shunter took the rest of the train forward for loading.

Yorkshire Dales Railway
Mark Bartlett 2017


Galashiels: A northbound service photographed on 28/03/2017. It's a pity that the largest town on the line has a single track station. Come to think of it the only two double track stations (apart from the termini) serve the smallest settlements: Stow, population about 700, and Shawfair, population about zero.

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
David Panton 2017


Rylstone: The powerful 6w-6wDH Cracoe working at Rylstone on the Grassington branch in March 2017. The loco is taking a newly arrived train of empty hoppers to the loading plant.

Yorkshire Dales Railway
Mark Bartlett 2017


Grassington and Threshfield: Disused section of the Grassington branch trackbed, just outside the site of the station See image [[33917]], which is itself now built over. The three arch over bridge high up on the right is a notable survivor. The line only opened in 1902 and scheduled passenger services ceased in 1930 but complete closure of this section only came in 1969 and the line south of Rylstone still sees several stone trains each day.

Yorkshire Dales Railway
Mark Bartlett 2017


Curriehill: A Glasgow service halts at Curriehill on 28th March 2018. It might have been a better marketing move to give this station its original name of Currie when it reopened in 1987, rather than its last name. After all the other Currie, on the branch, had closed 44 years earlier and it's unlikely anyone would confuse them.

Caledonian Railway
David Panton 2018


Kilmarnock: A new display in this showcase was nice to see in the underpass at Kilmarnock station. 28th March 2018.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
John Yellowlees 2018


Curriehill: A Glasgow to Edinburgh 158 pulls into Curriehill on 28 March. I wonder if electrification will mean an increase in frequency from the current hourly service? It might draw a few people from the buses.

Caledonian Railway
David Panton 2018


Craigendoran Junction: During pre-season Jacobite stock movement, diesel locomotive 37518 is uncoupled from steam locomotive 44871 to act as a banker for the remainder of the journey to Fort William.

Glasgow, Dumbarton and Helensburgh Railway
Beth Crawford 2018


Fillan Viaduct: I could hear this working hard climbing Glen Falloch long before I could see it. 44871 and 45407 (with 37517 at the rear) have just cleared the Crianlarich Viaducts and are turning west to run along Strath Fillan. A snowy Ben More provides the backdrop.

West Highland Railway
Ewan Crawford 2018


Inverurie Works: The refurbished offices of the GNSR Works, Inverurie, on 28 March 2018 looking east across Harlaw Road. Works buildings occupied much of the area between here and the main line, with several now converted or adapted for other uses since the works closed in 1969. [Ref query 28 March 2018]

Great North of Scotland Railway
Andy Furnevel 2018


Arrochar and Tarbet: The hills surrounding Arrochar and Tarbet were covered with a fresh dusting of snow as the stock for the season’s Jacobite paused on March 28th 2018. 44871 and 45407 (running as 45157 The Glasgow Highlander) were in charge with 37518 bringing up the rear.

West Highland Railway
Malcolm Chattwood 2018


Ardmore Level Crossing: Under a rainbow 37518 leads 44871 and 45407 over Ardmore Level Crossing with the Jacobite stock heaving north from Carnforth to Fort William.

Glasgow, Dumbarton and Helensburgh Railway
Ian Davis 2018


Gartcosh: 37518 leads 44871 and 45407 westwards through Gartcosh station with a stock movement from Carnforth to Fort William.

Garnkirk and Glasgow Railway
Ian Millar 2018


Lockerbie: 44871 and 45407 (with 37517 leading) had paused in the loop south of Lockerbie station before continuing north on the trip from Carnforth to Fort William.

Caledonian Railway
Bruce McCartney 2018


Sark Viaduct: 44871 and 45407 (with 37517 leading) have just crossed the River Sark. So, curiously, I am in England (just) and the train is in Scotland.

Caledonian Railway
Bruce McCartney 2018


Lugton: Lugton signal box viewed from a passing northbound train.

Glasgow and Kilmarnock Joint Railway
John Yellowlees 2018


Lockerbie: 44871 and 45407 (with 37517 leading) set off through Lockerbie after a pause in the loop south of the station.

Caledonian Railway
Bruce McCartney 2018


Inverurie Works: The original GNSR boiler and erecting shops at Inverurie Works (1905-1969), looking east from alongside Harlaw Road on 28 March 2018. Much of the surrounding area is now occupied by housing and retail developments, including a large Tesco Superstore (and associated car park) part of which is visible in the right background.

Great North of Scotland Railway
Andy Furnevel 2018


Inverurie Works: The Carriages, Crossover Road, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire. The modern day address of the original carriage and wagon shops at the former GNSR Inverurie Works in March 2018, now converted to attractive domestic accommodation.

Great North of Scotland Railway
Andy Furnevel 2018


Inverhaggernie No 2 Level Crossing: An evening service for Fort William heads north between Crianlarich and Upper Tyndrum. Beinn Odhar provides the backdrop.

West Highland Railway
Ewan Crawford 2018


Fillan Viaduct: Northbound locos and stock move from Carnforth to Fort William crossing the Fillan Viaduct to the north of Crianlarich station.

West Highland Railway
Ewan Crawford 2018


Gorebridge: ScotRail 170471 photographed shortly after leaving Gorebridge station on 28 March 2019 with the 1054 Edinburgh - Tweedbank. The route south from here now runs past significant new housing developments on both sides of the line.

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
John Furnevel 2019


Gorebridge: ScotRail 170413 pulls away from Gorebridge on 28 March 2019 with the 1054 Edinburgh - Tweedbank. The front of the train is passing the station's southern exit onto Lady Brae, which provides a convenient pedestrian link with the various new housing developments in the area.

Borders Railway (Network Rail)
John Furnevel 2019


Finsbury Park: 313055 to Moorgate, approaching Finsbury Park station in north London, with 700020 in the background, on 28th March 2019. The 313s were withdrawn from service six months later in September 2019, after 43 years' service on the GN suburban lines.

London to Peterborough (Great Northern Railway)
David Bosher 2019


Stroud Green: Upper Tollington Park bridge, between Finsbury Park and Stroud Green on the abandoned Northern Heights line to Alexandra Palace, looking north on 28th March 2019. The line was earmarked to become part of the London Underground Northern Line and over a million pounds was spent on the plan before 1939 but, after 1945, the scheme was not re-started and the line closed to passengers in 1954. Goods traffic continued until 1964 and the line was retained for a further six years for empty stock workings, so did see tube trains, even if hauled by battery locos and devoid of passengers who had to fight their way onto overcrowded buses, as they still do. Tracks were removed in 1971 and this is now one of two separate sections known as the Parkland Walk footpath.

Edgware, Highgate and London Railway
David Bosher 2019


Finsbury Park: Brand new 717 006 just departed from Finsbury Park station in north London and heading north along the ECML, on the pleasantly sunny and mild afternoon of 28th March 2019. The bushes on the right mark the site of the now demolished ramp that once took down trains onto the former GNR's Alexandra Palace branch until the line closed to passengers in 1954 after almost becoming part of the LUL Northern Line.

London to Peterborough (Great Northern Railway)
David Bosher 2019


Euxton Junction: Colas 37116 propels a Network Rail test train northwards at Euxton Junction on 28 March 2021. The train had started in Crewe and carried out a number of runs north to Preston. DBSO 9702 was the leading vehicle on this run.

North Union Railway
John McIntyre 2021


Donibristle Platform: GBRf 66767 (unnamed) and 66745 'Modern Railways The First 50 Years' pass Donibristle with a Laurencekirk to Millerhill spent ballast working on 28 March 2021.

Aberdour Line (North British Railway)
Bill Roberton 2021


Cults: The bridge over the road leading to the former Mill of Pitfodels at Den of Cults, just west of Cults Station is the highest on the Deeside line. It is clearly wide enough for two tracks; or a wide walkway suitable for horses and humans as well as a single track railway.

Deeside Railway
Charlie Niven 2022


Events


Events from the chronology which occured on this day. This generally lists events before 1995, the creation of the website.

YearCompaniesDescription
1853Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle RailwayGlasgow and South Western Railway authorised to run over the Caledonian Railway between Gretna Junction and Carlisle.
1885Londonderry and Lough Swilly RailwayFollowing conversion from 5ft 2in to 3ft, the wider gauge trains are withdrawn. In Londonderry 5ft 2in gauge locomotives are used to draw 3ft gauge trains to Londonderry Middle Quay.
1909Glasgow Central RailwayBotanic Gardens signal box closed.
1912Newburgh and North Fife RailwayAn Order of the Railway and Canal Commission compels the North British Railway to - fairly develop traffic on the Newburgh line and work all shortest route traffic via the line - increase the train service and through facilities - keep open the St Fort West Junction to St Fort South Junction curve - advertise the line including through route, season, tourist and excursion tickets - work goods traffic via the line, when it constitutes the shortest route
1917Dunfermline and Queensferry RailwayRosyth Halt opened.
1917Bideford, Westward Ho! And Appledore RailwayAbbotsham Road closed.
1920Scottish Central Railway Crieff Junction RailwayAuthorisation for a deviation of the Crieff Junction Railway at Gleneagles and reconstruction of the station.
1947Invergarry and Fort Augustus RailwayOne coach special run for prospective hiring (by a timber merchant). Line not hired.
1960Glasgow, Dumbarton and Helensburgh Railway Craigendoran Pier Deviation West Highland RailwayCraigendoran East signal box closed, control passed to Craigendoran Junction signal box renamed Craigendoran.
1966Morayshire RailwayElgin East to Lossie Junction to Lossiemouth closed to freight.
1966Fochabers Branch (Highland Railway)Fochabers Town to Orbliston Junction closed to freight.
1966Ballachulish Branch (Callander and Oban Railway)Tracklifting begins.
1976Minehead RailwayMinehead to Blue Anchor re-opened as the Preserved_>West Somerset Railway Preserved .
1998Tinsley Marshalling Yard (British Railways)Tinsley Depot closed. Class 47s transfer to Bescot Depot.
1999English, Welsh and Scottish Railway SafewayEnglish, Welsh and Scottish Railway (EWS) starts a nightly Mossend Marshalling Yard to Inverness train for Safeway. This was the first regular supermarket traffic, the first EWS refrigerated flow and first internal Scottish traffic (which comes complete with backloads).
2000Clydesdale Junction RailwayDerailment at Rutherglen Central Junction.

News


These are old news items which which occured on this day. This generally lists events after 1995, the creation of the website.

YearCompaniesDescription
1999Safeway freight service startsEWS starts nightly Mossend to Inverness Safeway flow on 28 March - the first regular supermarket traffic, first EWS refrigerated flow and first internal Scottish traffic (which comes complete with backloads).
2003RMT Guards StrikeThis strike is due to a disagreement about the role of guards. The RMT would like to extend the safety role from staying on board a train following an accident to look after passengers to allowing guards to de-train to protect the train with detonators etc. ScotRail and Virgin services are affected. GNER is working with the union. ScotRail has considered legal action.
2003Transport Minister visits Larkhall station siteIain Gray visited the site of the former Larkhall Central station (closed to passengers 4/10/1965, freight 4/11/1968, site and platforms still intact). £16M has been granted from the Integrated Transport Fund to will provide a half hourly service on the Larkhall to Milngavie line between Larkhall and Dalmuir, via Hamilton, Glasgow and Partick. Stations are proposed at Merryton and Chatelherault (both between Hamilton and Larkhall) and Dawsholm on a spur to be reopened between Anniesland and Maryhill Park.
2007test [Railway Strategies]gggg
2007National Rail Trends [Railway Strategies]The Office of Rail Regulation's National Rail Trends for the period April-June 2006
2007New Bristol engineering depot [Railway Strategies]Work is underway on an £8 million redevelopment for First Great Western (FGW) at its St Philips Marsh depot in Bristol
2007Major rail link project approved [BBC News]MSPs approve a £300m move to reopen the railway line between Airdrie to Bathgate and build two new stations.
2007Light rail link go-ahead [Railway Strategies]Planning approval for 6km extention to DLR to Stratford International station
2007Milestone for Borders rail project [Scottish Executive]Latest phase of work launched to reinstate historic Waverley Line.
2007Final bridge in place [Railway Strategies]Taylor Woodrow Construction (TWC) has lifted the final bridge on the East London Line
2007Rail link on track for green light [Scottish Executive]£300m Airdrie-Bathgate line expected to gain Parliamentary approval later today.
2007National Rail Awards [Railway Strategies]National Rail Awards Winners
2007Transport Scotland to get rail link on track [Scotsman]TRANSPORT Scotland is to take on responsibility for delivering the Waverley rail link from Edinburgh to the Borders.
2007Sill Lighting UK - Sill projectors for Cannon Street station [Railway Strategies]A new ambience at Cannon Street station for Network Rail
2007Waverley line gets back on track [Scotsman]PREPARATION work for reopening part of the Waverley railway line was officially started yesterday - 44 years to the day after the publication of the Beeching report which led to its closure.
2007Light gardening on the Docklands [Railway Strategies]UPM Tilhill, Anglia District, has completed ornamental landscaping of four new stations on the Docklands Light Railway
2007Grail - Dynamic engineering solutions [Railway Strategies]Grail has the skills provide an extensive range of solutions
2007Ebbsfleet - Gateway to Europe [Railway Strategies]Eurostar has unveiled Ebbsfleet International station
2007Access for all [Railway Strategies]Seven of South West Trains' stations have been chosen to benefit from Government investment in accessibility improvements for disabled passengers
2007Rejuvenating Rugby [Railway Strategies]Passengers at Rugby are set to benefit as Network Rail begins a project to improve facilities
2007Improvements at Newcastle [Railway Strategies]GNER has announced a £2.4 million improvement scheme at Newcastle Central Station
2007White Young Green - Solving DDA access issues [Railway Strategies]Network Rail stations are upgraded to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
2007GEC Anderson Ltd - The value of stainless steel [Railway Strategies]GEC Anderson understands that the special and exacting demands of London Underground messrooms are unique
2007Docklands Light Railway - London City Airport station wins major rail award [Railway Strategies]The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) London City Airport station has scooped the Community Rail Award for best 'Local Transport Integration Project'
2007Thameslink crosses a big hurdle [Railway Strategies]The Department for Communities & Local Government have agreed to the re-building of the Thameslink route
2009Glasgow Airport Rail Link Video [New Civil Engineer]A video has been released showing the drivers view of the Glasgow Airport Rail Link from Paisley to the new proposed station at Glasgow Airport [From Graham Morgan]
2009Leven Reopening? [Modern Railways]Whisky distiller Diageo is pursuing talks with Network Rail and local politicians in Fife concerning the possible reopening of four miles of railway on the former line between Leven and Thornton. The branch, just north of the Fife Circle, could also be used to join Levenmouth to the passenger rail network, a project which local authorities are pursuing with Transport Scotland.
2010Red tape ties Edinburgh^s trams down [The Times] Companies hired to construct Edinburgh’s crisis-hit tram network have complained the project has become paralysed by interference from local authority bureaucrats.
2010Labour vows to put GARL back on track [The Times]Labour will revive the Glasgow Airport Rail Link (GARL) project if it wins next year’s Scottish election.
2010Rail strike may be averted as talks resume [The Guardian]Hopes have been raised that a looming strike by rail workers, which would cause travel chaos for millions of commuters, could still be averted.
2010Full steam ahead [Scotland on Sunday]AT QUARTER to 11 yesterday morning, the Morayshire, an octogenarian steam engine, painted a smart deep green, is about to depart Bo^ness for Manuel, five miles down the line. Apologies for any inconvenience caused but the train is experiencing a slight delay – some 53 years, 10 months and 22 days. [From Andrew Wallace]
2011Paisley corridor improvements: NR invites Gallowhill to drop in [Network Rail]Network Rail is inviting the community of Gallowhill to drop-in and meet the project team delivering the £170m enhancement of the railway linking Glasgow to the Clyde coast and Ayrshire
2012Train disruptions after overhead power line collapses [STV]Rush-hour train journeys are being disrupted after part of an overhead power line collapsed at one of Glasgow^s busiest stations on Wednesday. The power line collapsed at Charing Cross causing severe disruptions between Helensburgh and Edinburgh, Milngavie and Edinburgh, Balloch and Airdrie and between Dalmuir and Springbur
2012Cross-border train ^hub^ plans dropped [BBC News]Transport Minister Keith Brown has ruled out plans for cross-border trains heading to and from the north of Scotland to stop at Edinburgh. The plan was part of Transport Scotland^s Rail2014 consultation ahead of the next rail franchise. Mr Brown ruled out the possibility of introducing an Edinburgh change-over for train journeys between England and Inverness, Aberdeen and Dundee. Labour said it was ^a relief that common sense had prevailed^
2014Eurostar trains halted by lightning strike in Kent [BBC News]Hundreds of Eurostar passengers suffered delays as a result of a lightning strike in Kent. The lightning strike on Thursday evening started a fire at a building near the entrance to the Channel Tunnel, causing overhead electrical power losses near Ashford.
2014Inverness-Aberdeen railway investment of £170m announced [BBC News]A £170m investment package has been confirmed by First Minister Alex Salmond for the Inverness to Aberdeen railway. Over the next five years, there will be a redoubling of the track between Aberdeen and Inverurie. Platforms at Insch and Elgin will be extended to accommodate six-car trains. Signalling improvements will be made at Elgin, the station at Forres relocated and work done so new stations can be built at Kintore and Dalcross. Kintore^s original station was closed in the 1960s. Dalcross is close to Inverness Airport. Future phases of the scheme will support an hourly service between the cities with average journey time reducing to about two hours, it was announced.
2014Northern to run British franchise for two years [IRJ]BRITAIN^s Department for Transport (DfT) has awarded Northern a so-called "direct award" franchise for 22 months. Northern, which is a joint venture of Serco and Abellio, itself a subsidiary of Netherlands Railways (NS), will now continue to operate the franchise, which covers regional and suburban services in northern England including the cities of Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle, until February 2016. This will give the DfT time to invite bids for a longer-term franchise and is part of the continuing shake-up of the franchising system following the collapse of the West Coast franchise deal in October 2012.
2014Trainspotting exhibition coming to the NRM in September [The Press]THE National Railway Museum in York is delving into the hobby of trainspotting through the mediums of contemporary art work and artefacts in new expedition. Visitors will be able to experience the anticipation that has inspired the hobby of trainspotting throughout the ages by enjoying the Museum’s collection of priceless railway art and artefacts – including Jonathan Backhouse’s letter to his sisters describing the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in September 1825, recognised as the world’s first instance of trainspotting. [From Richard Buckby]
2016Rail fares up but passenger satisfaction also on rise [BBC News]Rail users^ satisfaction with train services is up by 7% in the past decade - while fares have risen 54%, more than double the rate of inflation - a survey by consumer watchdog Which? suggests. Passenger satisfaction over how rail companies handle delays has also improved - by 4% -over the same period, the research found. The rail companies said customer satisfaction was ^up significantly^. But Which? said its findings showed an ^unacceptably slow pace of change^. But the rail companies said customer satisfaction was ^up significantly^.
2016Midland Metro tram crashes into car in Wolverhampton [BBC News]A car has been shunted several feet down the track in a crash with a tram. The collision involving a Midland Metro tram happened at the station in Bilston Road in Ettingshall, Wolverhampton, at about 16:00 BST on Sunday. The car driver, a man in his 60s, was taken to hospital as a precaution. Midland Metro said: ^The incident happened at the Priestfield tram stop car park. Emergency services were called and the full service was later resumed at around 17:30 BST.^ [From Mark Bartlett]
2017Businessman^s ambitious £30m plan to get steam trains crossing the Manchester Ship Canal again [MEN]This is what a new steam railway could look like if a disused rail track is brought back to life. Ambitious plans to create a new £30m steam railway are being launched today - in what could be a huge new tourist draw for the region. Greater Manchester is already home to the East Lancashire Railway - which runs vintage engines between Heywood and Rawtenstall. But a new campaign has been launched to transform a disused stretch of track between Irlam and Timperley into a new heritage attraction - which would include the re-opening of the Cadishead Viaduct. [From Stuart Stevenson]
2018Call to restore historic footbridge over Waverley Station roof [Evening News]A footbridge across Waverley Station that was closed 60 years ago should be re-opened as a new route across the city centre, campaigners have urged. They want the link between Calton Road and East Market Street restored as part of a new masterplan for the station to cope with its expected 66 per cent passenger growth over the next six years
2018Forth Bridge emerges triumphant in battle of the bridges [Evening News]When it comes to Forth bridges, it seems that oldest really is best. A public vote this week confirmed the distinctive red cantilever structure opened in 1890 is the most impressive engineering feat of the three crossings at Queensferry. Experts from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) held a debate at the University of Strathclyde on Tuesday evening to discuss the respective merits of the two road bridges and one rail bridge that link Edinburgh with Fife and beyond. Read more at: https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/business/forth-bridge-emerges-triumphant-in-battle-of-the-bridges-1-4714420
2018Fears older passengers will be put off trains if ticket office axed [The Herald]Older passengers will put off travelling if one of Scotland^s busiest train stations switches to a self-service ticket system, it has been warned.
2019Dundee to Aberdeen train crew apologises for not collecting tickets – due to woman going into labour [Press and Journal]Paramedics boarded an Aberdeen-bound train yesterday after one of the passengers went into labour.
2019ScotRail boss Alex Hynes says it will be two years before punctuality targets are met [Press and Journal]ScotRail boss Alex Hynes has admitted it could be two years before punctuality targets are met and, even then, there are no guarantees that trains will run on time.
2019Scottish rail changes you can expect in your region [BBC News]Network Rail has set out its plans to spend more than £4bn on Scotland^s rail network - here are the details.
2019Rutherglen in line for track renewals [Network Rail]Network Rail is delivering a programme of major track renewals affecting routes through Rutherglen to Glasgow Central on Sundays from March 31 to April 28.