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London And Birmingham Railway
All photographs of this railway in date order.
![An up WCML express at speed in Tring cutting in the 1960s.<br><br>[Robin Barbour Collection (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) //]](/images/21000/21743.jpg "Tring")
![The small locomotive shed at Leighton Buzzard, a sub of 1E Bletchley, thought to have been photographed around 1959/1960. The 2-road shed stood to the south of Leighton Buzzard station on the up side of the WCML. It was officially closed in November 1962 and the site subsequently redeveloped.<br><br>[K A Gray //]](/images/36000/36880.jpg "Leighton Buzzard")
![Fowler 3P 2-6-2T no 40070 stands in a siding at Willesden in 1959, near the end of its operational life. The locomotive was officially withdraw in March the following year and cut up at Derby works 2 months later.<br><br>[K A Gray //1959]](/images/24000/24274.jpg "Willesden")
![Fowler 3F no 47668 stands on Camden shed in October 1959. In the background, partially hidden by the locomotive's smokebox, is the old roundhouse built by the London & Birmingham Railway in 1846. Although only used to house locomotives until 1867, the roundhouse still survives and stands today as a well known arts and entertainment centre on Chalk Farm Road.<br><br>[Robin Barbour Collection (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 04/10/1959]](/images/24000/24465.jpg "Camden")
![Jubilee 4-6-0 no 45571 <I>'South Africa'</I> photographed on Camden shed, probably around 1960. <br><br>[K A Gray //1960]](/images/39000/39853.jpg "Camden")
![The busy shed yard at 1A Willesden, thought to have been taken in 1960. Locomotives present include 3F 0-6-0T 47304 and G2 0-8-0 49070.<br><br>[K A Gray //1960]](/images/44000/44115.jpg "Willesden")
![Fowler 3P 2-6-2Ts nos 40042 and 40010 stand in Willesden shed sidings in August 1961. Both had been officially withdrawn from 1A the previous month.<br><br>[K A Gray 21/08/1961]](/images/42000/42625.jpg "Willesden")
![Bletchley based G2 0-8-0 no 48898 stands in the sidings alongside Willesden shed in the summer of 1961.<br><br>[K A Gray 21/08/1961]](/images/46000/46207.jpg "Willesden")
![Fowler 3P 2-6-2T no 40010 in the sidings alongside Willesden shed in the summer of 1961.<br><br>[K A Gray 21/08/1961]](/images/50000/50051.jpg "Willesden")
![Standard class 5 4-6-0 no 73031 about to take a train out of Birmingham New Street in October 1961.<br><br>[K A Gray 07/10/1961]](/images/37000/37441.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![Royal Scot no 46159 <I>The Royal Air Force</I> photographed at 1A Willesden on 28 October 1962, some 5 weeks prior to official withdrawal on 1 December.<br><br>[K A Gray 28/10/1962]](/images/30000/30489.jpg "Willesden MPD")
![Jubilee 45641 <I>Sandwich</I> approaching Linslade Tunnel, north of Leighton Buzzard, with an up WCML freight in August 1964. [Ref query 4521]<br><br>[John Robin 23/08/1964]](/images/46000/46118.jpg "Leighton Buzzard")
![45552 <I>Silver Jubilee</I> alongside the coaling plant at Willesden in August 1964.<br><br>[John Robin 25/08/1964]](/images/47000/47117.jpg "Willesden")
![Looking back from a class 86 hauled London - Glasgow train passing through Rugby in the summer of 1969. An outer suburban class 310 emu can just be seen on the far side of the station while a class 08 is duty station pilot.<br><br>[John Furnevel 30/06/1969]](/images/53000/53773.jpg "Rugby")
![Looking east from a point above Primrose Hill tunnel on 12 September 1969. Emerging from the dive-under on the slow lines from Euston is a class 310 EMU operating an outer suburban service to Northampton. The WCML fast lines are just visible on the right, while over on the left is the through freight-only link to Camden Road and the North London Line.<br><br>[John Furnevel 12/09/1969]](/images/53000/53461.jpg "Primrose Hill Tunnel")
![A class 86 about to enter Primrose Hill tunnel on 12 September 1969 shortly after departure from Euston with train 1S57, the down <I>Royal Scot</I>. <br><br>[John Furnevel 12/09/1969]](/images/53000/53481.jpg "Primrose Hill Tunnel")
![The 10.27 Manchester Piccadilly - London Euston stands in the concrete cavern that is Birmingham New Street station on 1 November 1969. Class 85 AC electric locomotive no E3090 is in charge. <br><br>[Bill Jamieson 01/11/1969]](/images/29000/29843.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![BR flyer on my seat on a train out of Euston in 1971.<br><br>[John Furnevel 16/09/1971]](/images/10000/10230.jpg "Euston")
![<I>'Tickets please.'</I> Ticket checks in operation for passengers heading for the 10.00 service to Manchester Piccadilly at Euston station in September 1972.<br><br>[John Furnevel 23/09/1972]](/images/2000/2136.jpg "Euston")
![Class 310 on the up slow line approaches Watford Junction under a canopy of catenary on 20 March 1976.<br><br>[John McIntyre 20/03/1976]](/images/13000/13232.jpg "Watford Junction")
![A class 501 DC EMU arrives at Watford Jct from Euston on 20 March 1976. <br><br>[John McIntyre 20/03/1976]](/images/13000/13339.jpg "Watford Junction")
![Class 87 hauled express on the up fast through Watford Junction on 20 March 1976.<br><br>[John McIntyre 20/03/1976]](/images/16000/16262.jpg "Watford Junction")
![A class 86 takes a northbound express through Watford Junction on 20 March 1976.<br><br>[John McIntyre 20/03/1976]](/images/16000/16297.jpg "Watford Junction")
![Class 86 and 87 locomotives stand ready to take WCML expresses north out of Euston in March 1976.<br><br>[John McIntyre 20/03/1976]](/images/17000/17292.jpg "Euston")
![A northbound WCML express with a Class 86 rushes through Watford Junction on 20 March 1976.<br><br>[John McIntyre 20/03/1976]](/images/25000/25753.jpg "Watford Junction")
![Waiting for the off - a Class 86 waits to haul a rake of Mk 2 blue and grey stock out of London Euston on 20 March 1976.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 20/03/1976]](/images/31000/31958.jpg "Euston")
![A southbound Class 86 rushes through Watford Junction on its way to <br>
Euston on 20 March 1976.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 20/03/1976]](/images/31000/31980.jpg "Watford Junction")
![The view from the front of an AM10 (Class 310) EMU heading through Queens Park towards Euston in March 1976 passing a Class 87 on its way north towards Watford Junction.<br><br>[John McIntyre 20/03/1976]](/images/32000/32062.jpg "Queens Park (London)")
![86247 sets off for Willesden depot, having been released from the train that it has earlier brought into Euston in March 1976. With the advent first of DVT working and now the muliple unit, this activity is seldom necessary these days.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 20/03/1976]](/images/35000/35998.jpg "Euston")
![Class 310 unit 085 arrives at Watford Junction on 20 March 1976 with a northbound service.<br><br>[John McIntyre 20/03/1976]](/images/40000/40613.jpg "Watford Junction")
![A northbound service formed by Class 310 emu no 072 calls at Watford Junction on 20 March 1976.<br><br>[John McIntyre 20/03/1976]](/images/48000/48757.jpg "Watford Junction")
![A Class 86 electric locomotive approaching the end of its journey as it arrives at Euston on 20 March 1976.<br><br>[John McIntyre 20/03/1976]](/images/62000/62057.jpg "Euston")
![Waiting for their departure times at Watford Junction in April 1976 are the electric services to Croxley Green (left) and London Broad Street (right). Even in 1976 the short Croxley Green line seemed a strange 'branch to nowhere' with a poor outlook, but in the event it was the substantial London terminus that closed first 10 years after this photo was taken. The Croxley Green line hung on for a further 10 years until 1996, when it succumbed to the rather underhand tactic of removal one of its bridges to facilitate a road widening scheme.<br><br>[Mark Dufton 22/04/1976]](/images/25000/25425.jpg "Watford Junction")
![An up WCML express about to run south through Rugby on a snowy March day in 1979. [Ref query 5976]<br><br>[John Furnevel 12/03/1979]](/images/53000/53185.jpg "Rugby")
![The new Coventry Travel Centre in October 1979.<br><br>[Ian Dinmore /10/1979]](/images/20000/20846.jpg "Coventry")
![50014 <I>Warspite</I> at Birmingham New Street on 24 April 1982.<br><br>[Colin Alexander 24/04/1982]](/images/46000/46229.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![View over Coventry station in April 1983.<br><br>[Ian Dinmore 30/04/1983]](/images/18000/18520.jpg "Coventry")
![87034 <I>William Shakespeare</I> passing Hillmorton goods yard, south of Rugby, at speed with a down express passenger service on 12 April 1988. A southbound intermodal freight service can also be seen on the adjacent Northampton lines.<br><br>[David Pesterfield 12/04/1988]](/images/27000/27195.jpg "Rugby")
![321401 at Watford Junction, thought to be in 1989 when the Class 321/4 was introduced. It ran in Network South East colours, although it operated on London - Birmingham services.<br><br>[Graham Morgan //1989]](/images/42000/42531.jpg "Watford Junction")
![The lower level platforms at Willesden Junction in January 1989, with a 2-car EPB unit on the left and a Euston bound 2-car 313 boarding on the right.<br><br>[Ian Dinmore 12/01/1989]](/images/39000/39164.jpg "Willesden")
![Shunting at Bridge Street level crossing, Northampton, in 1991. The 1845 London & Birmingham station at Northampton Bridge Street closed in 1964. <br><br>[Ian Dinmore //1991]](/images/19000/19770.jpg "Northampton Bridge Street")
![Looking across the platforms at the north end of Euston station on Monday 3 March 1991.<br><br>[Ian Dinmore 03/03/1991]](/images/18000/18705.jpg "Euston")
![Class 47 in 'Police' livery on a northbound car-train at Headstone Lane. As I took this picture, with the train approaching, the 47 was making such a racket I thought it was going to collapse into pieces !<br><br>[Bernard Holland 04/07/2003]](/images/59000/59408.jpg "Headstone Lane")
![The 1837 Birmingham station terminus at Curzon Street, built for the London and Birmingham Railway. The London Euston terminus had Doric columns whilst those at the Birmingham terminus were Ionic. While Euston has lost its Arch, Curzon Street has lost its station - replaced by New Street.<br><br>[Ewan Crawford 30/06/2004]](/images/22000/22382.jpg "Birmingham Curzon Street")
![GBRf 08451 at Willesden depot in July 2005.<br><br>[John Furnevel 20/07/2005]](/images/4000/4915.jpg "Willesden")
![Virgin 'Thunderbird' no 57311 <I>Parker</I> at Willesden in July 2005.<br><br>[John Furnevel 20/07/2005]](/images/4000/4916.jpg "Willesden")
![View south east over Willesden depot from the platform at Willesden Junction High Level station in July 2005 as a northbound Voyager passes on the WCML.<br><br>[John Furnevel 20/07/2005]](/images/5000/5237.jpg "Willesden Junction")
![A Virgin Pendolino service for Glasgow Central stands at London Euston in July 2005.<br><br>[John Furnevel 23/07/2005]](/images/5000/5133.jpg "Euston")
![Twins - Glasgow Central and Manchester Piccadilly Virgin Pendolinos at London Euston in 2005.<br><br>[John Furnevel 23/07/2005]](/images/5000/5183.jpg "Euston")
![End of the line at Euston in July 2005 with a Pendolino at the buffer stops.<br><br>[John Furnevel 23/07/2005]](/images/10000/10553.jpg "Euston")
![In Scotrail colours 90024 has brought in <i>The Royal Highlander</i> from Inverness with portions from Aberdeen and Fort William.<br><br>[Michael Gibb 18/11/2006]](/images/12000/12380.jpg "Euston")
![A Central Trains service comes to the end of its journey as it arrives at Birmingham International on a sunny 29 November 2006.<br><br>[John McIntyre 29/11/2006]](/images/21000/21203.jpg "Birmingham International")
![A class 350 EMU pauses at Birmingham International on its journey eastwards to Coventry on 29 November 2006.<br><br>[John McIntyre 29/11/2006]](/images/21000/21208.jpg "Birmingham International")
![Fastline 56302 with a rake of container flats is 'stuck' on the 'slow line' eastbound at Birmingham International on 29 November 2006 as a Virgin Voyager arrives with a westbound cross country service. One of the halls of the NEC can be seen on the left behind the Class 56 loco.<br><br>[John McIntyre 29/11/2006]](/images/25000/25065.jpg "Birmingham International")
![On the southern approach to Rugby, a Pendolino slows for the stop at the station on 22 March 2007.<br><br>[John McIntyre 22/03/2007]](/images/56000/56483.jpg "Rugby")
![323207 calls at Hampton-in-Arden on 24 March 2007 with a service for Birmingham New Street.<br><br>[John McIntyre 24/03/2007]](/images/30000/30724.jpg "Hampton-in-Arden")
![350110 enters Tile Hill station on 24 March 2007 on a stopping <br>
service to Northampton.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 24/03/2007]](/images/30000/30730.jpg "Tile Hill")
![Heading west for Birmingham, 323207 arrives at Tile Hill on 24 March 2007. The new bridge has replaced the level crossing which used to be just in front of the EMU.<br><br>[John McIntyre 24/03/2007]](/images/46000/46119.jpg "Tile Hill")
![Having run light from Doncaster to Crewe the previous day, 86101 heads south through Harrow & Wealdstone on 20 October with the Crewe to Euston leg of the <I>Atomic Harbour Master</I> railtour to Dungeness. <br><br>[Michael Gibb 20/10/2007]](/images/16000/16965.jpg "Harrow and Wealdstone")
![86101 at Euston with the Crewe - Euston leg of the <I>Atomic Harbour Master</I> railtour on 20 October. <br><br>[Michael Gibb 20/10/2007]](/images/16000/16966.jpg "Euston")
![A Pendolino calls at Birmingham International on 13 May 2008.<br><br>[Peter Todd 13/05/2008]](/images/19000/19032.jpg "Birmingham International")
![67014 arrives at Birmingham International on 13 May on a service from Wrexham.<br><br>[Peter Todd 13/05/2008]](/images/19000/19037.jpg "Birmingham International")
![The front end of Central Trains 170 501 has just managed to make it into the sunshine after drawing to a halt at Birmingham New Street on 13 May 2008.<br><br>[Peter Todd 13/05/2008]](/images/19000/19047.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![321414 stands in bright sunshine at Birmingham International on 13 May preparing to depart on a service to Walsall. <br><br>[Peter Todd 13/05/2008]](/images/19000/19066.jpg "Birmingham International")
![EWS Class 66 locomotive 66173 runs north through Birmingham International on 13 May. <br><br>[Peter Todd 13/05/2008]](/images/19000/19088.jpg "Birmingham International")
![The leading class 37 locomotive reflects on its arrival in Coventry with the Pathfinder Tours <I>Industrious Trader</I>. Platform view west on 15 November 2008.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 15/11/2008]](/images/46000/46544.jpg "Coventry")
![A Friday morning at Leighton Buzzard station in February 2009. View north just after the rush hour.<br><br>[Andrew Wilson 13/02/2009]](/images/40000/40368.jpg "Leighton Buzzard")
![A Euston - Watford local service ascends Camden bank on a sunny 18th March 2009.<br><br>[Michael Gibb 18/03/2009]](/images/22000/22894.jpg "Camden")
![A Birmingham to Euston Pendolino arrives at Rugby.<br><br>[Michael Gibb 16/04/2009]](/images/23000/23357.jpg "Rugby")
![A class 90 propels a Euston bound express south at Rugby.<br><br>[Michael Gibb 16/04/2009]](/images/23000/23359.jpg "Rugby")
![EWS 90035 runs into Birmingham International on 13 May with the Virgin Trains 1203 London Euston - Birmingham New Street.<br><br>[Peter Todd 13/05/2009]](/images/23000/23680.jpg "Birmingham International")
![DVT 82101 arrives at Birmingham International on 13 May at the rear of the Virgin Trains 1203 London Euston - Birmingham New Street service.<br><br>[Peter Todd 13/05/2009]](/images/23000/23693.jpg "Birmingham International")
!['Yes mi'Lady'... 57307 <i>Lady Penelope</i> and friend at Euston on 23 June.<br><br>[Michael Gibb 23/06/2009]](/images/24000/24259.jpg "Euston")
![<I>Desiro</I> unit 350 232 in London Midland livery departing London Euston in July 2009. <br><br>[Colin Harkins 13/07/2009]](/images/31000/31149.jpg "Euston")
![Virgin Trains have refurbished a mark III locomotive hauled set in 'Pendolino' style. The set is seen arriving at London Euston with DVT leading on 23rd July 2009.<br><br>[Michael Gibb 23/07/2009]](/images/25000/25021.jpg "London Euston")
![So near and yet so far - this is the gap between the WCML and the Leicester line at Nuneaton. Not far physically, but doubtless a long way in terms of signalling and control. October 2009.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 31/10/2009]](/images/26000/26211.jpg "Nuneaton Trent Valley")
![Tamper, tamper: a <I>Colas Rail</I> dual tamper unit waits to set off for a bit of 'one part ballast, one part snow'. Part of the crew had walked down from the recently-built office complex near the formner Abbey Street station.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/01/2010]](/images/27000/27234.jpg "Nuneaton Trent Valley")
![Pendolinos waiting at Euston on 27 January 2010. On the right the driver of the 1630 hrs service to Glasgow Central approaches the cab of 390010. The service has just one intermediate stop after exactly 2 hrs at Preston and is scheduled to arrive in Glasgow at 2038 hrs. Impressive! <br><br>[John McIntyre 27/01/2010]](/images/27000/27434.jpg "Euston")
![This bland and faceless office block includes a station entrance at the centre of its ground floor. At least the bulding now looks no worse then when it was built in the early 1980's. Hope that chap at the bus stop isn't waiting for a W13 to Henlow....<br><br>[Ken Strachan 05/02/2010]](/images/27000/27917.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![Ancient and modern: the LNWR is clearly thriving here, although the station platforms (which were on this side, or south, of the road bridge just visible in the background) have been demolished - likewise the Stratford-on-Avon and Midland Joint overbridge, which ran crossways above the fourth coach of the London-bound Pendolino.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 26/02/2010]](/images/27000/27930.jpg "Roade")
![67003 awaits departure from Watford Junction with the 'Coast to Coast' railtour from London Euston to Cleethorpes and Blackpool on 6th March 2010.<br><br>[Michael Gibb 06/03/2010]](/images/28000/28305.jpg "Watford Junction")
![Now that's what I call a chimney. The largest and grandest of the smoke and steam vents on the WCML tunnel at Kilsby, near Rugby (notice the smaller vent in the background).<br><br>[Ken Strachan 12/03/2010]](/images/28000/28210.jpg "Kilsby Tunnel")
![A Pendolino speeds through Tring in April 2010. <br><br>[Michael Gibb /04/2010]](/images/33000/33855.jpg "Tring")
![66204 with a westbound container train passing a Network Rail track team on the approach to Birmingham International station on 28 April 2010.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 28/04/2010]](/images/28000/28744.jpg "Birmingham International")
![The 0827 hrs Manchester Piccadilly to Bournemouth CrossCountry service calls at Birmingham International on 28 April 2010.<br>
<br><br>[John McIntyre 28/04/2010]](/images/28000/28754.jpg "Birmingham International")
![Looking west through Birmingham International station on 28 April 2010 as London Midland 350105 calls with a service to Birmingham New Street.<br><br>[John McIntyre 28/04/2010]](/images/28000/28768.jpg "Birmingham International")
![A London Midland service to Birmingham New Street with 350130 arrives at Birmingham International on 28 April 2010.<br><br>[John McIntyre 28/04/2010]](/images/61000/61649.jpg "Birmingham International")
![(Re-)Connected at last: the Birmingham-Leicester line (L) can now be accessed from the WCML heading South (R). At least one railtour has already passed this way.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 18/06/2010]](/images/30000/30326.jpg "Nuneaton Trent Valley")
![87002 along with Wrexham and Shropshire's 67012 preparing to leave Euston on 24 June 2010 with the first leg of <I>The Three Peaks Challenge</I>. Between 24 and 26 June the train will visit Bangor, Ravenglass and Fort William with its passengers climbing Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Ben Nevis respectively - all in aid of 'The Railway Children' charity.<br><br>[Michael Gibb 24/06/2010]](/images/29000/29520.jpg "London Euston")
![Light and shade at the buffers at Euston on 3 July 2010.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 03/07/2010]](/images/30000/30635.jpg "Euston")
![Both the class 350, and 'Stone and Webster House' (the mirror glass block in the background, above the entrance to Milton Keynes station) are acquired tastes. The 350 is about to set off for London on 23 August.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 23/08/2010]](/images/30000/30628.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![<I>Stand well back....</I> A down Pendolino runs through Milton Keynes at speed on 23 August 2010.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 23/08/2010]](/images/31000/31603.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![<I>Shiver me timbers!</I> A Southbound 350 seen through one of the unusual 'porthole' windows on the footbridge at Milton Keynes on 27 August.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 27/08/2010]](/images/30000/30669.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![Little and large: One of the ubiquitous 153s for Nuneaton crosses with a Cross-Country Voyager service on a wet day at Coventry station in September 2010.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 04/09/2010]](/images/39000/39132.jpg "Coventry")
![This former WCML station is just behind Watford Gap services on the M1. The modern, fast, large, and well maintained Pendo contrasts first with the small and slow track inspection carts, and secondly with the old-fashioned and distinctly under-maintained goods shed. With gaps in the roof and a tree growing out one window, it just doesn't look loved.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 17/09/2010]](/images/30000/30772.jpg "Welton")
![Rarely have I seen a brick building survive so well with the roof, awning, doors, and windows in such a state. But it reminds us of this former WCML station just behind Watford Gap services on the M1. Photographed in September 2010. <br><br>[Ken Strachan 17/09/2010]](/images/30000/30790.jpg "Welton")
![<i>Call that a train... tee, hee... </I> 350242 at Berkhamsted on 17 September 2010.<br><br>[Veronica Clibbery 17/09/2010]](/images/30000/30949.jpg "Berkhamsted")
![The 18.45 to Nuneaton enjoying a pool of light in Coventry station before heading North on 12 October. Ironic that the smallest train in the station is stabled in platform no 1.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 12/10/2010]](/images/31000/31565.jpg "Coventry")
![The North bays at Rugby have been filled in, and now resemble a 'virtual quarry'. Seen here in November 2010 [see image 32910].<br><br>[Ken Strachan 02/11/2010]](/images/32000/32862.jpg "Rugby")
![Virgin Trains is currently using a Freightliner Class 90, no 90045, to power its loco hauled set (previously a DBS class 90). The loco is seen here at Euston on 14 January at the head of the 10.43 service to Birmingham New Street.<br><br>[Michael Gibb 14/01/2011]](/images/32000/32312.jpg "Euston")
![Holyhead bound Virgin Voyager 221113 is ready to leave Euston on 18 January at the head of a ten coach train. The Up working to Euston is interesting as one set leaves Lancaster at 0535 and joins the second from North Wales at Crewe. On this day the train had arrived 20 minutes late, via the Northampton loop, due to a broken rail at Rugby and a quick turnround ensued to get the unit back on schedule. The stock of the Caledonian Sleeper can be seen on the left waiting to leave for Wembley sidings.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 18/01/2011]](/images/32000/32395.jpg "Euston")
![The majority of outer suburban services at Euston are now handled by the Class 350 <I>Desiro</I> units and the London Midland black/grey/green livery is quite striking, particularly the black window surrounds that make the windows appear huge. 350245 and 350123 are at the head of twelve coach trains at Euston at the end of the morning rush hour.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 18/01/2011]](/images/32000/32461.jpg "Euston")
![Road vs. rail: a down Pendolino forms an orderly queue for platform 6 at Milton Keynes as road traffic (more vehicles, less passengers) passes on the A5. View looks North on 4 February.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 04/02/2011]](/images/32000/32772.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![Arrival at Birmingham New Street in February 2011. Some time soon, they will have to stop imagining what they might do to rebuild New Street, and give the existing station a nice big clean.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 05/02/2011]](/images/34000/34031.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![Obviously not the 17.20 to Euston - otherwise it would be over 30 minutes early... GB Railfreight 66704 hauling LOTS of containers south through Rugby platform 6 on 11 February 2011.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/02/2011]](/images/32000/32802.jpg "Rugby")
![Freightliner 66516 enduring an hour's wait at Rugby on 11 February 2011.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/02/2011]](/images/32000/32812.jpg "Rugby")
![There's a nice echo of the red and yellow Pendolino livery in the platform awning support and ubiquitous yellow platform line at Rugby on 11 February. The train is heading North on the through line.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/02/2011]](/images/33000/33061.jpg "Rugby")
![Part of Rugby station underpass in February 2011: great for the general public, but not for enthusiasts. [See image 33422 for the converse]<br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/02/2011]](/images/33000/33426.jpg "Rugby")
![90041 in old Railfreight livery heads the Virgin loco-hauled set North into Milton Keynes platform 6 on 11 February 2011, at about 3.15pm. By 5.05pm the same set was seen heading South at Rugby - good utilization.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/02/2011]](/images/33000/33480.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![In contrast to the North bays [see image 32862], the South bays at Rugby are in fine form - usually housing an EMU and occasionally a class 57.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/02/2011]](/images/33000/33486.jpg "Rugby")
![The recently installed South bay at Milton Keynes is platform 2a. It is rarely used, so here's the best shot I could get, with an up London train passing from platform 1<br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/02/2011]](/images/33000/33510.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![Southern Railway services now run as far North as Milton Keynes. This would never have done in the old SR days, but at that time Milton Keynes was a small village between Bletchley and Wolverton, and well off the main line. This is the 15.13 to East Croydon on 11 February 2011.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/02/2011]](/images/33000/33792.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![90049 shows off the new Freightliner livery to dramatic effect as it heads North through Milton Keynes on 11 February with a container train.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/02/2011]](/images/34000/34040.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![Commuters huddle under the canopy at Rugby on a very wet morning and there are few takers for this London Midland EMU service for Euston via Northampton. The platform cleared a few minutes later however when a Euston bound Pendolino called. 350127 was on the rear of an eight car train and to its right the recently infilled north bays can be seen [see image 32862]. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 23/02/2011]](/images/32000/32910.jpg "Rugby")
![The 0702 to London Euston blinks in the early morning March sunlight at Rugby [see image 36505]. If winter comes, can spring be far behind? (Yeats, I think)<br><br>[Ken Strachan 25/03/2011]](/images/36000/36701.jpg "Rugby")
![A Northbound Pendolino makes a dramatic entrance into platform 3 of Coventry station on 14 May.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 14/05/2011]](/images/34000/34123.jpg "Coventry")
![Freightliner 66534 <I>'OOCL Express'</I> powers north through platform 5 at Harrow & Wealdstone Station with a near full consist of containers in the early evening of 16 May, following a lay over in Wembley yard. <br><br>[David Pesterfield 16/05/2011]](/images/34000/34136.jpg "Harrow and Wealdstone")
![London Midland EMU 350245 arriving at Birmingham International on 17 May.<br><br>[Peter Todd 17/05/2011]](/images/34000/34129.jpg "Birmingham International")
![A shy and retiring 66.085 tries to hide behind a pile of ballast as it draws three tank wagons through the stone loading facility by Bletchley station. I am old enough to remember double 37's on this duty.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 10/06/2011]](/images/34000/34684.jpg "Bletchley")
![A new face at Euston - 378215 preparing to set off for Watford Junction on an <I>Overground</I> service. The chap on the left seems impressed, even if his mate would rather phone a friend...<br><br>[Ken Strachan 10/06/2011]](/images/34000/34820.jpg "London Euston")
![A down 350 calls at Bletchley in June 2011. The viaduct in the background was built about 1960 for access to Swanbourne yard - which was never built, due to the rapid decline in wagonload traffic. The viaduct may yet be used for a revived East-West link, if they can afford to attach a platform and lifts to it. In 1985, I saw an empty stock DMU with saloon lights lit crossing from East to West - a rather fetching sight at dusk.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 10/06/2011]](/images/35000/35021.jpg "Bletchley")
![A perfectly functional station on a distinctly more human scale than its near neighbour at Milton Keynes [see image 27917]. Bletchley, seen here in June 2011, is also a junction, and has some freight activity.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 10/06/2011]](/images/35000/35105.jpg "Bletchley")
![<i>'Fast train approaching.'</i> After that message, you expect at least a 350, if not a Pendolino; but, on this occasion, it was a track maintenance machine which was speeding north - not too fast though, as it had just reversed after exiting the sidings.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 02/07/2011]](/images/35000/35175.jpg "Watford Junction")
![A future stop for HS2? They'll have to take the boards off the windows first... [see image 22382]<br><br>[Ken Strachan 21/07/2011]](/images/34000/34989.jpg "Birmingham Curzon Street")
![The styling of the Southbound Pendolino {the 19.20 to Euston} blends in well with this starkly modern station serving the NEC and Birmingham Airport.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 21/07/2011]](/images/35000/35000.jpg "Birmingham International")
![Freightliner 66567 emerges from the stygian depths of Birmingham International with a Northbound container train on 21 July. The light was starting to fade, but the train was just restarting after a crew change.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 21/07/2011]](/images/35000/35120.jpg "Birmingham International")
![No less than 12 cars of class 325 stock run North through Milton Keynes bright and early on 2nd September.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 02/09/2011]](/images/35000/35686.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![The Pendolino, the 350, and the three young ladies appear to be competing as to who can be most colourful. View South along platform 5 at Milton Keynes Central on 2 September 2011.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 02/09/2011]](/images/35000/35959.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![A view east over Coventry station. [See image 18520] for the same view in 1983.<br><br>[Ewan Crawford 05/09/2011]](/images/35000/35560.jpg "Coventry")
![A section of the original 1838 London and Birmingham Railway, looking north through Wolverton works. It was later bypassed by the 1881 LNWR route and is now ignominiously sandwiched between an approach road to Tesco and industrial units housed in former Works buildings. The Railcare facility now served by the line is off to the left.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 14/10/2011]](/images/36000/36103.jpg "Wolverton")
![Contrary to popular rumour, there is still a Doric Arch at Euston. However, it's a pub, not a spectacular entrance.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/11/2011]](/images/36000/36488.jpg "London Euston")
![Evening departures from Euston on 11 November 2011. The 350 on the left is the 17.46 to Birmingham New Street.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/11/2011]](/images/36000/36643.jpg "Euston")
![Patience is a virtue - a 12-car assembly of 350's forming a commuter service to London Euston awaits the off at Milton Keynes Central.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/11/2011]](/images/36000/36685.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![The 07.02 London Midland service from Rugby to Euston via Northampton waits for passengers on the morning of 18 November as dawn breaks ahead.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 18/11/2011]](/images/36000/36505.jpg "Rugby")
![Milton Keynes can look surprisingly old-fashioned early in the morning, with more than a hint of <I>'The Ladykillers'</I> in the staircase on the right. View south from the station footbridge on 18th November 2011.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 18/11/2011]](/images/37000/37243.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![And they're off! The 07.14 to Euston is ready to leave Milton Keynes Central on 25 November 2011. I had momentarily fallen asleep at my seat - good job I woke up!<br><br>[Ken Strachan 25/11/2011]](/images/37000/37888.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![The 19.15 Southern Trains Cross-London service to Clapham Junction waits to depart from platform 2a at Milton Keynes Central on 7 March 2012. The train runs via the West London Line and has a journey time of 1 hour 18 minutes. [See image 4945]<br><br>[Ken Strachan 07/03/2012]](/images/38000/38263.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![I have a soft spot for 92's. At the very least, they make a change from the ubiquitous 66's. 92030 <I>'Ashford'</I> is seen here passing through Rugby at about 7am on 9 March heading south with a mixed consist of tanks and flat wagons.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 09/03/2012]](/images/38000/38461.jpg "Rugby")
![I have 7 minutes between arriving in Rugby on a 350 and leaving on a Pendolino. The message 'Charter Train' on the departure screens on 22 March (plus a very old-fashioned exhaust note) led me to find Compass Tours' 'Trent Lakelander' on platform 1 (displacing a Birmingham-bound Pendolino to platform 2). 47786 'Roy Castle OBE' drew the train South into the station. [see image 38174]<br><br>[Ken Strachan 23/03/2012]](/images/38000/38238.jpg "Rugby")
![350.232 seems to have a smile on its face, courtesy of the setting sun, as it arrives at Milton Keynes Central with the 18.32 service to Birmingham New Street. <br><br>[Ken Strachan 29/03/2012]](/images/39000/39119.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![The Caledonian sleeper passing through Rugby on 1 April 2012. As it took two months for everything to come together to get this picture, I would have been annoyed if the Pendolino approaching on the right had got in the way! <br><br>[Ken Strachan 01/04/2012]](/images/38000/38437.jpg "Rugby")
![A recently introduced eleven coach Pendolino (390156) waits at Birmingham New Street with the 11.49 service to Wolverhampton on 17 April 2012. Across at platform 2 a sister set prepares to depart with a service for Euston.<br><br>[David Pesterfield 17/04/2012]](/images/38000/38493.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![Something old (the steps), something new (the replacement deck), something borrowed (that bush certainly shouldn't be sticking out of the steps), and something distinctly not blue - the weeping sky was rather grey. Unusual to see a new deck and old steps; the bridge is on the West side of the station.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 25/04/2012]](/images/38000/38871.jpg "Rugby")
![You don't often see freight at MKC in the morning. But withdrawal of my usual bus service has given me more time on the platforms awaiting an alternative. So here is 90044 heading North with boxes (GB) or cans (US) at about 7.30 on 25 May, while Southbound commuters wait for the next up service.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 25/05/2012]](/images/39000/39273.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![It's not every day that you see blood and custard and mirror glass together. Scene at Milton Keynes Central on 25 May 2012. The railtour is the UK Railtours 'Snowdonian'; the view is South-East from the footbridge.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 25/05/2012]](/images/42000/42294.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![I used to have a dilemma when approaching New Street from the East: do I look at Saltley depot, or Landor Street? The demolition of Saltley has made life simpler. Freightliner locomotives 66534 'OOCL Express' and 66537 rest up between duties on 26 May 2012.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 26/05/2012]](/images/39000/39289.jpg "Birmingham Landor Street Freightliner terminal")
![But for that yellow line, and the label on the coach, it could be 1964. Preserved 86259 <I>Les Ross</I>, in original Electric Blue, takes the Railway Touring Company 'Cumbrian Mountain Express' north and away from London at Milton Keynes on 18 June, at a time when several million commuters are heading the other way.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 14/06/2012]](/images/39000/39362.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![What comes down must go up. The 350 in platform 2 (left) will form a train to Euston, while its sister unit has just left from platform 1 for the same destination. Southern Trains 377203 is in platform 2a [see image 38263], and will form the 18.13 to Selhurst.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 14/06/2012]](/images/39000/39705.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![Three noses, three liveries, and some stalactites on the overbridge at the primary rail passenger hub of the Midlands. That white light on the side of the Voyager wasn't my flashgun, honest.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 20/06/2012]](/images/39000/39301.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![A tad colourful - 66434 in W H Malcolm livery waits for the road with an up container train at Rugby on 26 June. The usual DBS container train was loading in the sidings to the right at the same time... form an orderly queue, please!<br><br>[Ken Strachan 26/06/2012]](/images/39000/39398.jpg "Rugby")
![The stock for the 15.13 to Selhurst (377.202 leading) arrives in platform 2a at Milton Keynes Central in this colourful scene captured on 28th June 2012.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 28/06/2012]](/images/39000/39466.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![Major improvements to the Milton Keynes station forecourt seen on 12 July 2012. Buses used to be kept to the far side of the line of flagpoles in the background. The shelters for bus and taxi passengers are also welcome - this area has always been rather windswept.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 12/07/2012]](/images/39000/39642.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![No, I'm sorry, they're still not growing on me. 70019 is now a regular performer on this section of the WCML, as is 70007. 019 hauls containers North through Milton Keynes Central on 19th July, while 350253, being the leading unit of the 17.41 to Euston, looks on.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 19/07/2012]](/images/39000/39693.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![Morning rush hour at Rugby, with a down Pendolino on the left, and 66178 (centre distant) with an up container train, waiting patiently for the 07.02 for Euston via Northampton to clear platform 6.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 17/08/2012]](/images/40000/40068.jpg "Rugby")
![The 07.06 class 153 service about to head back from Coventry to Nuneaton on a hazy summer morning in August 2012. This route will soon be upgraded with a new station at Bermuda Park [see image 31054] and at the Ricoh Arena.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 20/08/2012]](/images/42000/42856.jpg "Coventry")
![323211 forms the 7.07 to Wolverhampton at Coventry on 20th August 2012. It looks considerably more bright and alert than the photographer! <br><br>[Ken Strachan 20/08/2012]](/images/42000/42933.jpg "Coventry")
![Coventry station is built just off East-West, leading to interesting lighting effects at dawn and dusk. A Pendolino for Birmingham prepares to leave the station at dusk on 8th September. [see image 34123].<br><br>[Ken Strachan 08/09/2012]](/images/40000/40352.jpg "Coventry")
![The latest thing in transport integration is this 2-level bike park outside Milton Keynes station. Well, I hadn't seen one before.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/09/2012]](/images/40000/40960.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![Having brought the ecs for the Highland Sleeper into platform 15 at Euston, 90028 now waits for the train to depart before going onto the front of the Lowland Sleeper.<br><br>[John McIntyre 10/10/2012]](/images/40000/40646.jpg "Euston")
![Darker days are here again; but on this occasion, to clear the way for a late running 06.20 Voyager running non-stop to Euston from platform 5, the 07.02 to Euston via Northampton 'and all stops' is in platform 6 [see image 36505].<br><br>[Ken Strachan 26/11/2012]](/images/41000/41175.jpg "Rugby")
![Some of the 8,000 reflective stainless steel panels which will eventually envelop the entire building at New Street when complete in 2015. The façade will transform the drab, grey station building which has dominated the city centre for the last 40 years. <br><br>[Network Rail /12/2012]](/images/5000/5662.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![Artist's impression of the new Stephenson Street entrance to Birmingham New Street.<br><br>[Network Rail /12/2012]](/images/17000/17886.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![The former station at Lilbourne on the LNWR Rugby to Luffenham branch [see image 25890 for the next stop] suns itself on a quiet Friday afternoon in December 2012. View looks slightly South of East, from the (somewhat damp, but cleared of brambles) trackbed.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 07/12/2012]](/images/41000/41312.jpg "Lilbourne")
![Across the road from my previous shot [see image 41312], these are the overgrown platforms of Lilbourne station (notice the tall concrete posts on the right). On my last visit in 1985, a blue Ford Cortina estate was dumped under the M1 viaduct in the distance - mercifully, it has now been cleared away.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 07/12/2012]](/images/41000/41446.jpg "Lilbourne")
![It's a pity they closed Lilbourne station. The locals never had time to finish scratch building this Reliant Regal, so it could be delivered by train. [see image 41446]<br><br>[Ken Strachan 07/12/2012]](/images/41000/41584.jpg "Lilbourne")
![This class 350 for Euston looks like it used to [see image 36505, looking South], but gets there sooner. London Midland has upgraded these sets for 110 mph running, cutting a minute from the Rugby to Milton Keynes time; but the crucial factor for this train is cutting 14 minutes out of the dwell time at Rugby. Other LM services now cut out the Northampton loop, so are only 6 minutes slower than a Pendolino from Nuneaton to Milton Keynes.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 21/12/2012]](/images/41000/41434.jpg "Rugby")
![90019, in EWS/First ScotRail Sleeper livery, sets off from a brief signal stop at Milton Keynes platform 1 with Southbound empty car carriers on 5 February. Since the closure of the Transit factory in Southampton in October, all Ford vehicles carried on our railways are now imported. Jaguars from Castle Bromwich, and Land Rovers / Range Rovers from Halewood are still UK-built.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 05/02/2013]](/images/41000/41974.jpg "Milton Keynes")
![Passengers familiar with operations at MKC will know that many Pendolinos and Voyagers pass through platform 6 - plus the occasional mail train [see image 35686]. But now that London Midland have tuned up their 350's for 110mph running, they are mixing it with Virgin trains. This unit got me to Nuneaton in 35 minutes.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 08/02/2013]](/images/42000/42063.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![A Pendolino (destination unknown) heading East, about to pass through Adderley Park station at speed on 24 March. Notice the icicles hanging from the road bridge.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 24/03/2013]](/images/42000/42489.jpg "Adderley Park")
![The gentleman on the right seems to be quite keen to be somewhere warmer, but the 14.35 to Birmingham New Street will only give him 6 minutes of defrosting time. A factory at the top of the cutting, just out of view to the right, was once the final assembly point for that great British institution, the half-timbered Morris Minor estate.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 24/03/2013]](/images/42000/42528.jpg "Adderley Park")
![Thank goodness it's warmed up since March! A wintery view looking East at Adderley Park on 24th March, with the former Morris car factory to the right [see image 42528]. [With thanks to Mike Gibb, Kenneth Leiper and Tavish Roberts]<br><br>[Ken Strachan 24/03/2013]](/images/43000/43124.jpg "Adderley Park")
![Everything you could possibly need to know: lists of destinations for the next train on every platform at Birmingham New Street on 19th May.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 19/05/2013]](/images/43000/43169.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![This superb installation at Birmingham New Street must surely be on loan from one of the top London galleries. Oh ...hang on ..it's just the emergency exits on the new pedestrian bridge. Nice paintwork.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 19/05/2013]](/images/43000/43184.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![Now let's see - my map app tells me there's a ticket office round here - I wonder where it is? A young passenger finding his way around the new New Street on 19th May. Notice how WHSmith always blends in [see image 42033].<br><br>[Ken Strachan 19/05/2013]](/images/43000/43279.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![Now hold on - are we in an airport, or a railway station? This off-platform seating area is far more plush than any similar facilities in the 'old' New Street - including the pub on the overbridge.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 19/05/2013]](/images/43000/43840.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![Awaiting departure their from Euston, 1/6/2013.<br><br>[John Steven 01/06/2013]](/images/43000/43310.jpg "London Euston")
![London Midland Trains 350259 stands at Euston on 1 June 2013.<br><br>[John Steven 01/06/2013]](/images/43000/43338.jpg "Euston")
![Emblazoned DRS West Coast Thunderbird 57307 <I>Lady Penelope</I> stabled at Euston on 5 June alongside London Midland EMU 350255 on the rear of the 12 car 16.50 departure to Northampton boarding at platform 16.<br><br>[David Pesterfield 05/06/2013]](/images/43000/43355.jpg "London Euston")
![All systems go at Euston station during the evening rush hour on 12 July 2013, with two Voyagers sandwiching two Pendolinos at the platforms.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 12/07/2013]](/images/43000/43826.jpg "Euston")
![A down Pendolino rushes through Bletchley on a hot Monday evening in July 2013.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 15/07/2013]](/images/43000/43809.jpg "Bletchley")
![General view south east over Willesden depot on 20 July from the high level platforms at Willesden Junction.<br><br>[John Thorn 20/07/2013]](/images/43000/43926.jpg "Willesden")
![The former wayside station at Barnwell is now adjacent to the Oundle bypass, which is built on the trackbed. I have driven past the station maybe six times without noticing its presence - I must have been concentrating on driving! The bench in the porch carries the lettering: GWR FARES.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 21/07/2013]](/images/43000/43909.jpg "Barnwell")
![Looking south west towards Thrapston on the Peterborough to Northampton line, a little South of Barnwell, in July 2013 [see image 43909]. This must have been a wonderful viewpoint in steam days. The colours remind me of Kodachrome.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 21/07/2013]](/images/44000/44939.jpg "Wigsthorpe")
![DRS 66421 is clearly focussed on the task ahead as it bustles North through Nuneaton platform 2 on 31 July 2013 hauling W.H.Malcolm container traffic.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 31/07/2013]](/images/44000/44721.jpg "Nuneaton")
![153354 may not be a beauty, but 70008 is certainly a beast. Contrasting front ends at platforms 1 and 2 at Nuneaton on 31 July. Both trains were heading for Coventry - the freight first.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 31/07/2013]](/images/44000/44735.jpg "Nuneaton")
![Is it just me - or do those cabs belong on two different engines? Locomotive 70008 was clearly styled by engineers - let's hope it wasn't engineered by stylists. It is shown waiting to leave platform 2 at Nuneaton Trent Valley on 31 July with a container train heading for Coventry [see image 44735].<br><br>[Ken Strachan 31/07/2013]](/images/45000/45233.jpg "Nuneaton")
![DRS 57302 <I>Chad Varah</I> awaits its next turn of duty in the South end bays at Rugby station on a hazy Thursday evening.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 08/08/2013]](/images/44000/44149.jpg "Rugby")
![The old station building at Rugby contrasts with the new entrance, which is particularly convenient for platform 1 (left). The concrete spheres by the kerb could be borrowed from somewhere, but make surprisingly comfortable seats.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 08/08/2013]](/images/44000/44486.jpg "Rugby")
![Sometimes our ambitions are too small. I had been trying for years to photograph a freight train emerging from the container loading area at Rugby; but when I finally got the shot, it had a steam engine in it. 44932 was heading South on the afternoon of Friday 30 August with two support coaches, presumably to take a tour out of London on the Saturday.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 30/08/2013]](/images/44000/44412.jpg "Rugby")
![Looks like the Smoke Monster is ready for a nibble [see image 26281]. 44932 leaves Rugby platform 6 on 30 August, southbound for London.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 30/08/2013]](/images/44000/44434.jpg "Rugby")
![The unusual sight of a passenger train on platform 6 in Rugby (a 350 destined for Euston). As the station is run by Virgin Trains, there is a gent in a red shirt helping London Midland passengers. The path on the left leads from the station underpass to a multi-storey car park.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 30/08/2013]](/images/44000/44443.jpg "Rugby")
![A Voyager heads south empty stock through Rugby platform 4, while passengers await a Pendolino on platform 5.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 30/08/2013]](/images/44000/44459.jpg "Rugby")
![After you: a London Midland 110mph class 350 rushes south towards Hanslope Junction and London on 30 August, having bypassed Northampton on its way south from Rugby; while 66422 shyly peeks out under an accommodation bridge in the background as it approaches off the Northampton line with a train of Stobart containers.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 30/08/2013]](/images/44000/44480.jpg "Roade")
![Well, that sign certainly works - not an HST to be seen. Euston, January 2014.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 13/01/2014]](/images/46000/46108.jpg "Euston")
![A Euston bound Pendolino arrives at Milton Keynes Platform 4 on the afternoon of 26 January 2014.<br><br>[John Steven 26/01/2014]](/images/46000/46102.jpg "Milton Keynes")
![Three for the price of two - west end of Birmingham New Street, 26 January 2014.<br><br>[John Steven 26/01/2014]](/images/46000/46113.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![DRS 57302 <I>Chad Varah</I> succeeds in keeping a 350 away from the buffers at Euston on 7 February.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 07/02/2014]](/images/46000/46250.jpg "London Euston")
![The first Bridge Street loco shed was built in 1845, but blew down in 1852. The replacement was started in 1855 and extended in 1870. The building became a carriage shed in 1881 and is now used for storage by Network Rail. The Asda supermarket on the extreme left is on the far side of Bridge Street level crossing [see image 19770].<br><br>[Ken Strachan 21/02/2014]](/images/46000/46439.jpg "Northampton Bridge Street")
![A southbound Voyager approaching the site of the former Blisworth station, Northants, on 4 March 2014 with the 11.30 Birmingham New Street - London Euston.<br><br>[John Steven 04/03/2014]](/images/46000/46587.jpg "Blisworth")
![A southbound Pendolino at speed near Blisworth, Northants, on 4 March 2014.<br><br>[John Steven 04/03/2014]](/images/46000/46695.jpg "Blisworth")
![<I>Just a quick wash and we'll be off...</I> A London [Euston] bound Virgin Voyager about to depart from Milton Keynes Central on 8 March 2014.<br><br>[John Steven 08/03/2014]](/images/46000/46577.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![<I>'OK old codger, I'll race you!'</I> The Pendolino seems to be having a quiet word with preserved class 86 no 86259 <I>Les Ross</I> at the head of the <I>Cumbrian Mountain Express</I>, as two generations of WCML power stand side by side at Euston on 8th March 2014.<br><br>[Michael Gibb 08/03/2014]](/images/46000/46579.jpg "London Euston")
![Surrounded by steel: Coventry certainly looks like an industrial city as a Birmingham-bound Voyager passes the location once occupied by the main Triumph car factory.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 21/03/2014]](/images/46000/46744.jpg "Canley")
![This almost planar sculpture on the booking office wall at Canley depicts a kangaroo and its joey; as you would expect in Coventry.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 21/03/2014]](/images/46000/46779.jpg "Canley")
![An up Pendolino passes through Canley, in the south western suburbs of Coventry, on 21 March 2014 [see image 46744 for the view in the opposite direction].<br><br>[Ken Strachan 21/03/2014]](/images/46000/46954.jpg "Canley")
![Maybe its just me, but I cant remember much 'general tidying up' being done on the nationalized railway. [see image 41036] for this location just 17 months ago. <br><br>[Ken Strachan 18/04/2014]](/images/47000/47119.jpg "Nuneaton Trent Valley")
![View from the footbridge at Milton Keynes Central on 28 April 2014. The bridge is being refurbished and made slightly narrower internally by wall cladding - hence what appears to be a giant pair of binoculars. [Ref query 6619]<br><br>[Ken Strachan 28/04/2014]](/images/47000/47209.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![Looking out from the ticket hall at Stechford down to platform 1, with a 323 about to depart for Birmingham New Street. Comprehensive security measures are evident. The weather, however, might encourage you to stay indoors. There were once at least six parallel tracks here - three remain in use.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 10/05/2014]](/images/47000/47301.jpg "Stechford")
![London Overground Class 378s stabled alongside Willesden depot on 10 May 2014 seen from a passing train. The locomotive standing beyond the EMUs appears to be 86101.<br><br>[John McIntyre 10/05/2014]](/images/47000/47350.jpg "Willesden")
![Stabled in Wembley Yard awaiting its next turn on 10 May 2014 is DBS 90028.<br><br>[John McIntyre 10/05/2014]](/images/47000/47379.jpg "Wembley Yard")
![Looking east across Wembley Yard from Sudbury Junction on a very wet evening on 10 May 2014 with DBS 92031 and 90020 stabled in the loco sidings.<br><br>[John McIntyre 10/05/2014]](/images/47000/47389.jpg "Wembley Yard")
![It's not every day that you see an Arriva Trains Wales service in Birmingham. 158.834 passes through a wet Stechford non-stop as it works from Birmingham International to Maccyncleth, where it splits to serve Aberystwyth and Pwllheli [see image 37262].<br><br>[Ken Strachan 10/05/2014]](/images/49000/49324.jpg "Stechford")
![The only DRS electric locomotive, 90034, enjoys the evening sunshine (notice both cab sunblinds are fully down) on 12 June, as it prepares to take the Virgin Mark 3 set from Euston to Birmingham.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 12/06/2014]](/images/47000/47740.jpg "London Euston")
![In the passing. London Midland and Virgin services pass at Gayton near Blisworth, Northants, in June 2014.<br><br>[John Steven 24/06/2014]](/images/47000/47844.jpg "Blisworth")
![The 15.47 Liverpool Lime Street - London Euston Pendolino near Blisworth, Northants, on 24 June 2014.<br><br>[John Steven 24/06/2014]](/images/47000/47884.jpg "Blisworth")
![The 19.00 Virgin Trains London Euston - Wolverhampton pulls into Coventry on 6 July 2014. <br><br>[Ken Strachan 06/07/2014]](/images/47000/47897.jpg "Coventry")
![In the circumstances, the stop board seems to be superfluous. Looking South over the canal bridge by the former triangular junction on the link from Bridge Street [see image 46439] to Northampton Castle station on 18 July. The buddleia, brambles, and nettles will have to go for this to become a footpath and cycleway. Oh yes... and the track.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 18/07/2014]](/images/48000/48092.jpg "Northampton Bridge Street")
![London Overground 378229 calls at Harrow and Wealdstone (shared with the Bakerloo line) on 28 July with a service for Watford Junction.<br><br>[Bill Roberton 28/07/2014]](/images/48000/48193.jpg "Harrow and Wealdstone")
![Harrow and Wealdstone is the northern terminus of the Bakerloo Line with parallel platforms on the WCML. A London Underground train reverses in the sidings on 28 July while a London Midland 350 passes on the main line.<br><br>[Bill Roberton 28/07/2014]](/images/48000/48932.jpg "Harrow and Wealdstone")
![A southbound Virgin Pendolino service passing Bugbrooke, Northants, on the WCML between Weedon and Blisworth, on 21 August 2014.<br><br>[John Steven 21/08/2014]](/images/48000/48562.jpg "Bugbrooke")
![A Virgin Voyager forming the 1510 London Euston - Chester speeds through the Northamptonshire countryside near Bugbrooke on 21 August heading for its penultimate stop at Crewe.<br><br>[John Steven 21/08/2014]](/images/48000/48600.jpg "Bugbrooke")
![<I>There's no answer to that...</I> Scene at Birmingham International on 23 August 2014. [Editor's note for the curious: The second part of the ad reads... <I>'Try Chiltern's fast new service.'</I><br><br>[John Steven 23/08/2014]](/images/48000/48458.jpg "Birmingham International")
![London Midland EMU 350267 about to leave platform 18 at Euston on 29 August 2014. The heavily loaded twelve coach train, running slightly late, is the 18.13 service to Birmingham New Street via Northampton.<br><br>[David Pesterfield 29/08/2014]](/images/48000/48578.jpg "Euston")
![<I>Super Voyager</I> 221119 pulls away from Birmingham International with a CrossCountry Bournemouth to Manchester Piccadilly service on 25 September. The elevated <I>Sky-Rail</I> link to the Airport starts from the grey building top right.<br><br>[Mark Bartlett 25/09/2014]](/images/48000/48940.jpg "Birmingham International")
![A Euston bound Virgin Voyager calls at Milton Keynes Central on 8 November 2014.<br><br>[John Steven 08/11/2014]](/images/49000/49388.jpg "Milton Keynes")
![A solitary passenger waits to board the 1748 to London Euston at Hampton-in-Arden on 11 November. This station is not as important as it was before Birmingham International was built, but at least a dozen commuters disembarked. The free parking here is handy if you don't fancy paying £10 to park at the NEC. <br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/11/2014]](/images/49000/49417.jpg "Hampton-in-Arden")
![Not something you see every day - a track gang working close to a high speed line at Birmingham International on 11 November. The PICOW became (understandably) quite animated as this Birmingham New Street bound Voyager approached.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/11/2014]](/images/49000/49439.jpg "Birmingham International")
![A Virgin Voyager, ultimate destination Birmingham New Street, approaching the end of its journey on 11th November 2014 as it makes its last intermediate stop at Birmingham International.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/11/2014]](/images/49000/49478.jpg "Birmingham International")
![The Great Way Round, Hampton-in-Arden, November 2014. When the ticket office is closed, passenger access to platform 2 (for Birmingham) is down the ramp on the right; along platform 1; and over the footbridge. Still, it keeps you fit. The Voyager is heading for Euston. [Ref query 10804]<br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/11/2014]](/images/49000/49577.jpg "Hampton-in-Arden")
![The leafy suburbs of Birmingham on 11 November. London Midland 350110 with a lunchtime working to New Street calls at Hampton-in-Arden. [See image 49417]<br><br>[Ken Strachan 11/11/2014]](/images/49000/49586.jpg "Hampton-in-Arden")
![The 1300 London Euston - Manchester Piccadilly Virgin Pendolino service runs north through a wet Milton Keynes Central at speed on 3 January 2015.<br><br>[John Steven 03/01/2015]](/images/49000/49949.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![Still life with commuters. View across platform 1 and out through the main station entrance at Nuneaton Trent Valley station. A short branch line to a sawmill ran from right to left of this view a few yards beyond the white car in the background. [see image 35705]<br><br>[Ken Strachan 28/01/2015]](/images/50000/50281.jpg "Nuneaton Trent Valley")
![Recently repainted DB Schenker locomotive 90018 at the dimly lit south end of Euston's platform 16 on the evening of 10th February 2015. The locomotive would later take out the Highland <I>Caledonian Sleeper</I>, now in its last months of operation by First Scotrail before being taken over by Serco.<br><br>[Colin McDonald 10/02/2015]](/images/50000/50331.jpg "Euston")
![Preparing to depart for Aberdeen, Inverness and Fort William, the Highland Sleeper has just been brought in to London Euston platform 15 by freshly painted DB Schenker locomotive 90029 on 10th February 2015. The 18-coach train will be hauled as far as Waverley by 90018, seen waiting alongside on platform 16. Serco will take over the Caledonian Sleepers on 31st March 2015.<br><br>[Colin McDonald 10/02/2015]](/images/50000/50364.jpg "Euston")
![The Lowland Caledonian Sleeper headed by the 90029 in fresh DB Schenker red livery waits for the off at Euston platform 15 on 10 February.<br><br>[Colin McDonald 10/02/2015]](/images/50000/50375.jpg "Euston")
![Locomotive 90021, still in EWS ScotRail livery, stands at Euston platform 15 on 10th February 2015 just after bringing in the empty stock of the Lowland Caledonian Sleeper.<br><br>[Colin McDonald 10/02/2015]](/images/50000/50400.jpg "Euston")
![A shiny 66753 with white lined buffers thunders North through Bletchley with containers on a Friday afternoon in February 2015. Notice the viaduct in the background, waiting for its new platforms as part of the East-West Rail project.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 20/02/2015]](/images/50000/50462.jpg "Bletchley")
![92015 looks distinctly Continental in its DBS livery [see image 20123] as it heads South through Bletchley with a long rake of Cargowaggons on 20 February. The Bedford line can be seen diverging from the WCML in the right background.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 20/02/2015]](/images/50000/50530.jpg "Bletchley")
![66198 heads North through Bletchley on 20 February with a train of enclosed car carrying wagons.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 20/02/2015]](/images/50000/50600.jpg "Bletchley")
![66.198 hauls an empty car train North at Bletchley on 20th February 2015. Notice the mothballed flyover in the background, and the platform extension in the foreground.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 20/02/2015]](/images/62000/62111.jpg "Bletchley")
![Pendolino 390103 in WW1 Remembrance livery, London bound at Milton Keynes Central on 12 April 2015.<br><br>[John Steven 12/04/2015]](/images/50000/50995.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![Passengers join 170517, forming the 0949 to Hereford, at Birmingham New Street on 18 April 2015.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 18/04/2015]](/images/51000/51152.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![The original station at Hampton-in-Arden, was opened by the London & Birmingham Railway in 1838 as plain Hampton. It sat well back from the track and looked similar to a toll keeper's cottage on a turnpike road. It is several hundred yards from the current station, which replaced it in 1884. The old station building is seen here in May 2015 in use as offices. [Ref query 9917] <br><br>[Ken Strachan 12/05/2015]](/images/51000/51339.jpg "Hampton-in-Arden")
![This up Pendolino is accelerating away from a stop at Birmingham International on 12 May. It has just passed the original Hampton station [see image 51339] and will now pass through Hampton-in-Arden non-stop.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 12/05/2015]](/images/51000/51345.jpg "Hampton-in-Arden")
![Marketing 101 - this ticket machine at Nuneaton Trent Valley used to be locked up at night, behind the black painted doors on the extreme left. Now that it is accessible after 8pm, perhaps they will sell more tickets?<br><br>[Ken Strachan 19/06/2015]](/images/51000/51819.jpg "Nuneaton Trent Valley")
![Perhaps they bricked up the door because the steps were worn out? These steps are located to the right of Nuneaton's main station entrance, below the clock tower. [See image 35705]<br><br>[Ken Strachan 01/09/2015]](/images/52000/52523.jpg "Nuneaton Trent Valley")
![Rugby is now confirmed as the only station where it is safe to put your head into a gap in a Pendolino. Seriously, I have never thought of Rugby as a tourist destination; but far better to promote local heritage than for everything everywhere to be bland and anonymous [see image 33426].<br><br>[Ken Strachan 27/11/2015]](/images/53000/53454.jpg "Rugby")
![The lettering on lounge car should have read 'ale on a Sleeper' to match<br>
these experiments in rebranding (or possibly just hasty paintwork repairs) on the Lowland Sleeper at Euston on 16th February 2016.<br><br>[Colin McDonald 16/02/2016]](/images/54000/54284.jpg "London Euston")
![The last of the rugby trains [see image 54348] for the time being, if not forever. 67.028 hauls the 16.40 to Coventry past the rather untidy South-Eastern end of Nuneaton station on 12th March. The rugby specials on 28th February and 12th March lost £30,000 in total.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 12/03/2016]](/images/55000/55109.jpg "Nuneaton Trent Valley")
![Far be it from me to get into an argument as to whether Coventry is classier than Nuneaton; but 67005 'Queen's Messenger' certainly looks more distinguished than 67028 on the other end of the same train [see image 54348] The chap on the platform might be asking the driver, 'how much do you think this run will lose?'<br><br>[Ken Strachan 12/03/2016]](/images/55000/55671.jpg "Coventry")
![Section of the new roof at Birmingham New Street, April 2016.<br><br>[Ian Dinmore /04/2016]](/images/58000/58893.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![A lot lighter and airier than it used to be: the concourse above New Street station, as recently rebuilt [see image 43279].<br><br>[Ken Strachan 09/04/2016]](/images/55000/55160.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![Statue of Robert Stephenson, by Carlo Marochetti, dating from 1870, outside Euston Station.<br><br>[Bill Roberton 23/06/2016]](/images/55000/55810.jpg "London Euston")
![Birmingham Curson Street's remaining building, the terminus of the London and Birmingham Railway, viewed from the lines which replaced it, taking the line on to the through Birmingham New Street station. Curzon Street's environs are the projected location of the terminus of the High Speed 2 line.<br><br>[John Yellowlees 18/09/2016]](/images/56000/56680.jpg "Birmingham Curzon Street")
![An up Pendolino seems to be staring wistfully at the former signal box and the non-electrified Leamington line.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 26/11/2016]](/images/57000/57737.jpg "Coventry")
![The sparse - six trains a week - service from MKC to Adderley Park may make you feel like a Minor Traveller [see image 42528].<br><br>[Ken Strachan 23/12/2016]](/images/57000/57611.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![A Voyager at MK Central heading for London - there seemed to be such a service every two minutes. Something to do with Christmas, perhaps. [see image 46577]<br><br>[Ken Strachan 23/12/2016]](/images/58000/58270.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![Looking North-East - opposite to the poster view [see image 57659] at the new station works at Kenilworth on 26 Deceber 2016. The new station here is part of works to provide a through service from Nuneaton to Leamington Spa.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 26/12/2016]](/images/57000/57865.jpg "Kenilworth")
![View South-East from the footbridge of Kenilworth station, showing progress on the (re)construction works in December 2016 [see image 57685].<br><br>[Ken Strachan 26/12/2016]](/images/58000/58303.jpg "Kenilworth")
![Sunshine brings great contrasts at New Street [see image 51152], but this is 15.32 on a winter afternoon. The Crowd Control stewards on the left didn't seem to be overwhelmed.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 27/12/2016]](/images/57000/57644.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![Bronze statue of Robert Stephenson, on the forecourt of Euston Station. The building of the London and Birmingham Railway was only one of many achievements in his comparatively short life. The Grade II listed statue was erected in 1871, Stephenson having died in 1859 just before his 56th birthday. <br><br>[Mark Bartlett 26/02/2017]](/images/58000/58340.jpg "Euston")
![Lower Kings Road entrance to Berkhamsted.<br><br>[Veronica Clibbery 26/03/2017]](/images/58000/58854.jpg "Berkhamsted")
![North side entrance to Berkhamsted.<br><br>[Veronica Clibbery 26/03/2017]](/images/58000/58870.jpg "Berkhamsted")
![92044 at platform 1 with the recently arrived Lowland Sleeper in April 2017.<br><br>[Colin McDonald 04/04/2017]](/images/58000/58960.jpg "Euston")
![92044 <I>Couperin</I> with the recently arrived Lowland Sleeper in April 2017. This locomotive still has the two tone grey livery and 'tunnel rings' from its Eurostar days.<br><br>[Colin McDonald 04/04/2017]](/images/58000/58965.jpg "London Euston")
![Two EMU's preparing to go back to where they came from, in the stygian depths of New Street station on 13th May 2017.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 13/05/2017]](/images/59000/59564.jpg "Birmingham New Street")
![A Southern service to East Croydon waits to start its journey at Milton Keynes Central on 16 June 2017.<br><br>[John McIntyre 16/06/2017]](/images/59000/59771.jpg "Milton Keynes Central")
![Freightliner 66538 passes Watford Junction on 16 June 2017 whilst working an intermodal service between Lawley St (Birmingham) and London Gateway freight terminal.<br>
<br>
Thanks to the helpful station staff for their assistance in getting this shot as freight hadn't been something I had seen on my last visit in March 1976! [See image 16262]<br><br>[John McIntyre 16/06/2017]](/images/59000/59784.jpg "Watford Junction")
![On my previous visit to Watford Junction the DC electric service was being provided by Class 501s but that was in 1976. On 16 June 2017 the service is now operated by London Overground using Class 378 units.<br><br>[John McIntyre 16/06/2017]](/images/60000/60272.jpg "Watford Junction")
![The rebuilt station at Kenilworth was due to open in December 2016 - then December 2017. Even that date may now not be met, but there is substantial visible progress. The under construction station is seen here on 2 September 2017. <br><br>[Ken Strachan 02/09/2017]](/images/61000/61910.jpg "Kenilworth")
![Here's how Kenilworth station will look when it's finished [see image 61910]. Curiously, the red Audi car appears to be registered in Germany.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 02/09/2017]](/images/62000/62292.jpg "Kenilworth")
![Train 384E, topped and tailed by DB 66's, is an RHTT from Bescot TMD to Euston. It was seven minutes early as it sprayed its way towards Hanslope Junction after passing through Northampton station and over the M1.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 13/10/2017]](/images/61000/61465.jpg "Hanslope Junction")
![Enter stage left: a double Voyager heads for London - probably from Holyhead - on the Northampton avoiding line.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 13/10/2017]](/images/61000/61481.jpg "Hanslope Junction")
![A 158 at 1558 - actually, it's the 1609 to Aberystwyth; although the 'Aber' is missing from the destination blind.<br><br>[Ken Strachan 25/11/2017]](/images/63000/63480.jpg "Birmingham International")
![86101 <I>Sir William Stanier</I> on arrival at Euston with the up Lowland Sleeper on 6th December 2017. <br>
<br><br>[John Yellowlees 06/12/2017]](/images/62000/62112.jpg "London Euston")
![Voyager on 6, Pendolino on 5 at Euston in the early afternoon of 25 January 2018.<br><br>[John McIntyre 25/01/2018]](/images/62000/62710.jpg "Euston")
![The Lowland Caledonian Sleeper, hauled by 92043, photographed soon after arrival at Euston in February 2018. The new Mark 5 Sleeper coaches will not now be introduced until October 2018. [See recent news item]<br><br>[Colin McDonald 08/02/2018]](/images/62000/62789.jpg "London Euston")
![Freightliner 90045 at the front of the Lowland Sleeper at Euston on 9th February 2018. It only made it as far as Tring where it was declared a failure, leading to an 1213 pm arrival for Glasgow passengers. I can live with that on a Saturday.<br><br>[Colin McDonald 09/02/2018]](/images/62000/62886.jpg "London Euston")
