This day in history 14 March

Contact the news and picture editor.

Images



Clarkston and Stamperland: Fairburn tank 42055 approaching Clarkston on 14 March 1955 with a train from St Enoch.
See query 2052

Busby Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1955


Balornock Shed: BR light Pacific 72006 Clan Mackenzie passing the coaling stage at Balornock shed on 14 March 1956 on its way to Buchanan Street with the up 'Saint Mungo'.

Garnkirk and Glasgow Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1956


Carlisle Canal Shed: Reid N15 0-6-2T no 69174 stands in the shed yard at Carlisle Canal in the spring of 1959.

Border Union Railway (North British Railway)
Robin Barbour Collection (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1959


Carlisle: The Carlisle station pilot taking a break alongside the west wall on a Saturday morning in March 1964. Duty locomotive on this occasion is Fowler 2-6-4T 42353, finally withdrawn from Kingmoor shed three months later.

Caledonian Railway
K A Gray 1964


Carlisle: Jubilee 4-6-0 no 45635 Tobago and a small but select looking assortment of packages awaiting the arrival of the 9.25am Crewe-Perth at Carlisle on 14 March 1964.

Caledonian Railway
K A Gray 1964


Carlisle: Kingmoor shed's Ivatt 2-6-0 no 43103 stands at Carlisle platform 4 on 14 March 1964 with a Langholm train.

Caledonian Railway
K A Gray 1964


Barry: An early escapee from Barry scrapyard, Manor Class no 7827 Lydham Manor awaiting removal from Barry on Saturday 14th March 1970. [Now operating on the Paigton & Dartmouth Steam Railway]

Barry Dock and Railways
Bill Jamieson 1970


Barry: With 45699 Galatea having returned to mainline service in 2013, it seems appropriate to include this shot of it languishing in Barry scrapyard over 40 years ago. Purists may prefer the remnants of the BR lined green livery still visible, to the BR maroon which it presently carries, but otherwise it looks a sorry sight. The Merchant Navy Pacific on the right is 35009 Shaw Savill.

Barry Dock and Railways
Bill Jamieson 1970


Bristol Bath Road Depot: Photograph taken from the adjacent platform of Bristol Temple Meads station on 14 March 1970, showing blue liveried NBL diesel-hydraulic D6327 and green classmate D6348 on Bristol Bath Road MPD. To the left is EE 350hp shunter D3990, with an unidentified Hymek lurking in the background.

Bristol and Exeter Railway
Bill Jamieson 1970


Cardiff General: Warship class No. 831 Monarch seems a little out of place on an unfitted freight comprising mainly of loaded 16t mineral wagons which it is bringing along the up through road at Cardiff General on 14 March 1970.

South Wales Railway
Bill Jamieson 1970


Cardiff General: Brush Type 4 D1601 pauses at Cardiff General on a gloomy afternoon in March 1970 with a loaded milk train from west Wales to London. A class 08 shunter is either attaching or detaching vehicles at the rear.

South Wales Railway
Bill Jamieson 1970


Bristol Temple Meads: Warship class No. 845 'Sprightly' was certainly looking the part when photographed on a westbound parcels train at Bristol Temple Meads in March 1970, but would nonetheless suffer withdrawal a mere seventeen months later.

Great Western Railway
Bill Jamieson 1970


Cardiff Central: Peak (class 45) no 89 Honourable Artillery Company at Cardiff General (renamed Cardiff Central in May 1973) shortly after arrival on train 1V61, the 07.08 Derby - Cardiff, on Saturday 14th March 1970.

South Wales Railway
Bill Jamieson 1970


Barry: Apart from the removal of all rods, No 35005 Canadian Pacific was still in reasonably complete condition when photographed in Woodham's yard at Barry on March 14 1970. For company, it has Standard Class 5 4-6-0 No. 73096, one of the locos whose tender was sold by Woodham's for conversion to an ingot carrier at the Briton Ferry steel works. At the rear is an ex-GWR Castle, probably No. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe. See image [[18430]]

Barry Dock and Railways
Bill Jamieson 1970


Newcastle Central: 1V93 Edinburgh - Plymouth about to leave Newcastle Central in March 1981 behind 55022 Royal Scots Grey, with the usual crowd of admirers.

Newcastle and Carlisle Railway
Colin Alexander 1981


Newcastle Central: An ECML service destined for Edinburgh runs into Newcastle Central behind a class 47 locomotive in March 1981.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 1981


Salwick: 40083 heading west through Salwick with a Euston to Blackpool service on 14 March 1981, before the station canopy was demolished. [Ref query 5203]

Preston and Wyre Railway, Dock and Harbour
Mark Bartlett 1981


Newcastle East Junction: 47407 on an Edinburgh - York train entering Newcastle Central in March 1981

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 1981


Newcastle Central: A busy Saturday morning at Newcastle Central station in March 1981 sees Deltic 55013 The Black Watch standing at platform 8 with train 1S12, the 05.50 Kings Cross -Aberdeen.

Newcastle and Carlisle Railway
Colin Alexander 1981


Newcastle Central: A BR InterCity 125 HST calls at Newcastle Central platform 8 in the spring of 1981 led by power car 254030.

Newcastle and Berwick Railway
John Furnevel 1981


Weeton [Lancashire] Signal Box: Class 40 No. 40083 on a Blackpool to Euston service passes Weeton cabin, which was perched high on the cutting side to allow a view over the adjacent roadbridge. The box was switched out by this time and later demolished. View towards Singleton and Poulton-le-Fylde in March 1981. See image [[19299]] for a 2008 comparison at the same spot. Map Ref SD 385338

Preston and Wyre Railway, Dock and Harbour
Mark Bartlett 1981


Braidwood: DRS 37059 with an unidentified partner heading south near Braidwood on 14 March 2006 with nuclear flasks from Hunterston PS bound for Sellafield.

Caledonian Railway
Bill Roberton 2006


Sanquhar: Platform view south from Sanquhar on 14 March 2006 following a heavy snowfall the previous day. ScotRail 156478 has just passed below the bridge carrying St Mary's Street after restarting a Glasgow - Carlisle service.

Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
John Furnevel 2006


Sanquhar: View west across the running lines at Sanquhar in the spring of 2006 showing the old station building on the down platform. Opened in 1850, the station was closed in 1965, only to reopen in 1994. (The boarded up building was subsequently restored and converted to holiday accommodation, thanks to Peter Rushton. See image [[5794]])

Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
John Furnevel 2006


Sanquhar: The road approach to Sanquhar station forecourt on a chilly March day in 2006. The date displayed on the shield above the window of the boarded up station building is 1850.

Glasgow, Dumfries and Carlisle Railway
John Furnevel 2006


Falahill Summit: Something about Falahill? A bottle of unknown origin bearing the legend Arnison Penrith and Wigton found near Falahill in 2007

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
James Young 2007


Falahill Summit: Looking north east in March 2007 along the Waverley route approach to Falahill summit. The gradient is obvious here. All going to plan, rail traffic may once again return to run through the area.

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
James Young 2007


Falahill Summit: Looking south on the bed of the Waverley line as the formation leads to Falahill summit. Lower right can be seen an odd yellow 'plastic box' type affair with a metal disc - several of which were embedded into the ballast here. Amazingly, coach-bolts from the old line, as well as sand bins, telegraph insulators and datum 'monuments' are all lying around here - and we even came across a very old Tizer bottle - possibly quaffed by a member of railway staff many years ago.....

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
James Young 2007


Falahill Summit: Railway beverages No 2: an old Tizer bottle found just off the solum near Falahill in 2007.

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
James Young 2007


Forteviot: A4 60009 crossing May Water heading south with a single coach.

Scottish Central Railway
Brian Forbes 2007


Perth: A4 class 60009 Union Of South Africa running around a service coach at Perth. The locomotive based at Thornton was heading to Edinburgh to run a special to Leeds. Owing to a load restriction near Dalmeny this was the only route possible.

Scottish Central Railway
Brian Forbes 2007


Perth: Busy Perth on 14 March with the 1355 to Inverness boarding in platform 4 and 170430 on the right bound for Edinburgh.

Scottish Central Railway
Brian Forbes 2007


Tynehead Junction: Overbridge leading to Cowbraehill farm, between Falahill and Tynehead looking North. This 1849 structure is due for demolition as part of the Waverley line reconstruction. As of May 2009, a temporary road had been constructed to serve Cowbraehill in the interim. A new structure is due to be built here.

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
James Young 2007


Borthwick Bank Signal Box: Looking north to where the Waverley route passes near to Borthwick Castle in March 2007 as the line continues toward the summit at Falahill.

Edinburgh and Hawick Railway (North British Railway)
James Young 2007


Perth: 170 422 newly repainted in First ScotRail livery stands at Perth with an Aberdeen service on 15 March as the crews change over.

Scottish Central Railway
Brian Forbes 2008


Perth: 60009 Union of South Africa arriving at Perth tender first on the outward journey from Thornton to Edinburgh with one coach. John Cameron, the owner and driver, is cricking his neck as he looks out. Thanks for the wave John, I appreciate it, but maybe you should fit a wing mirror!

Scottish Central Railway
Brian Forbes 2008


Greymouth: Abandoned signal box at Greymouth, New Zealand, photographed on 14 March 2008.

New Zealand Railways
Brian Smith 2008


Perth: View of 60009 Union of South Africa running through Platform 4 at Perth on 14th March 2008.

Scottish Central Railway
Brian Forbes 2008


St Kitts: The St Kitts narrow gauge Scenic Railway, with 6 double-deck carriages using the former sugar cane plantation lines. The man in the green and white shirt is part of a trio singing traditional songs to the passengers.

St Kitts Railway
Brian Smith 2009


St Kitts: Former trailers used to transport sugar cane, now lying in a disused siding alongside the St Kitts narrow gauge railway on 14 March 2009.

St Kitts Railway
Brian Smith 2009


Burton and Holme: Sixty years after closure in 1950 Burton and Holme station still stands alongside the West Coast mainline and is now a private residence. Situated around one mile west of Burton village, and one mile south of Holme, the station was more or less in the middle of nowhere leading to its early closure. Map reference SD 522774

Lancaster and Carlisle Railway
Mark Bartlett 2009


Burton and Holme: Very near to Burton and Holme station (See image [[22857]]) this is one of two lanes that pass through tunnels under the embankment that carries the Lancaster Canal over the valley. Although closed to traffic this stretch of canal still carries water from the Killington Lake feeder reservoir down to the open section south from Carnforth. Map Ref SD 524774.

Lancaster Canal
Mark Bartlett 2009


Plates, signs, notices etc: Extract from the prospectus of the Kirkcaldy and District Railway, issued in 1889. Note the interesting teaser in red regarding potential volumes of coal traffic.

Kirkcaldy District Railway (North British Railway)
Ian Dinmore 2009


Warminster: Selection of visitor attractions in the area covered by First Great Western applied to a 150 DMU photographed at Warminster on 14 March 2009.

Warminster Branch (Great Western Railway)
Peter Todd 2009


Cranmore: Ex-Esso Sentinel 0-4-0 Cattewater seen on the East Somerset Railway on 14 March 2009.

East Somerset Railway
Peter Todd 2009


Westbury: 150239 departing Westbury for Bristol on 14 March 2009.

Thingley to Westbury (Wiltshire, Somerset and Weymouth Railway)
Peter Todd 2009


Cranmore: Sentinel 0-6-0 awaiting attention and some TLC on the East Somerset Railway on 14 March 2009.

East Somerset Railway
Peter Todd 2009


Hoghton: 66144 heads west towards Hoghton on 14 March 2010 with an engineers train returning from the track relaying on the WCML at Bolton-le-Sands. The train had traversed the Little North Western route from Carnforth to Settle Junction before heading back to the WCML via Hellifield, Clitheroe and Blackburn.

Blackburn and Preston Railway
John McIntyre 2010


Haltwhistle: West of Haltwhistle station, to the right of the Alston branch, is the trackbed of a long curved headshunt running at a lower level see image [[37538]]. The track itself is long gone but, bizarrely, the buffer stop remained in March 2010.

Newcastle and Carlisle Railway
Sally Strachan 2010


Bamber Bridge: 67006 on the rear of a Northern Belle charter heading east through Bamber Bridge towards Blackburn on 14 March 2010. The train was routed via Hellifield to Carnforth before making it's way south along the WCML via Lancaster and Preston to Liverpool.

Blackburn and Preston Railway
John McIntyre 2010


Bathgate: Looking east through the gate into ScotRail's new Bathgate depot on Sunday morning 14 March 2010. The photograph shows part of the main building, yard and parking area with the cleaning and stabling sidings in the background to the south of the new station.

Edinburgh and Bathgate Railway
John Furnevel 2010


Bathgate: Work underway on the new Bathgate station on Sunday 14 March 2010. View is south from the A89 Edinburgh Road looking across the north side of the former yard.

Edinburgh and Bathgate Railway
John Furnevel 2010


Haydon Bridge: Haydon Bridge station in March 2010. The new barriers don't look as nice as the old gates see image [[9392]] but the signal box is still in fine form; and manned on a Sunday.

Newcastle and Carlisle Railway
Ken Strachan 2010


Bathgate Upper: Track laid west from Bathgate looking towards Armadale on 14 March 2010. The current single line Bathgate terminus is off to the right.

Longridge to Bathgate (Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway)
John Furnevel 2010


Haltwhistle: A Carlisle to Hexham service approaching Haltwhistle station on the morning of 14 March 2010.

Newcastle and Carlisle Railway
John Steven 2010


Bathgate Upper: View east from the temporary level crossing at Bathgate towards the new station on Sunday 14 March 2010. The line into the current Bathgate terminus runs along this side of the large silver shed on the left.

Longridge to Bathgate (Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway)
John Furnevel 2010


Bamber Bridge Junction: The early afternoon Blackpool South to Colne service passes the CE sidings at Bamber Bridge on 14 March 2010 in the hands of 142051. The former direct line to Preston via Todd Lane ran off to the right behind the unit.

Blackburn and Preston Railway
John McIntyre 2010


Bathgate LMD: Entrance to the new First ScotRail depot at Bathgate on 14 March 2010. Looking east towards Edinburgh with the main line on the left. The lift towers and footbridge of the under-construction Bathgate station can be seen in in the background.

Edinburgh and Bathgate Railway
John Furnevel 2010


Hoghton: The mid afternoon service from Colne to Blackpool South approaches the AHB level crossing at Hoghton on 14 March 2010. In the background the bridge carries the A675 from Preston to Blackburn road. Until 2009 there were facing and trailing emergency crossovers at this point, however track rationalisation has taken place and it has been plain lined in both directions.

Blackburn and Preston Railway
John McIntyre 2010


Preston: An arrival from Manchester Airport about to run into Preston station on 14 March 2011. The train will divide here, with the front unit going on to Blackpool and the rear heading for Windermere.

North Union Railway
John McIntyre 2011


Preston: A Network Rail test train with 97302 leading and 97303 on the rear crosses North Union bridge on the southern approach to Preston on 14 March 2011. The train was operating from Derby to Oxenholme and was scheduled to be in the North West for a few days, covering various lines.

North Union Railway
John McIntyre 2011


Preston: A Northern Class 158 gets away from Preston on the Up Slow with a Blackpool to York via Leeds service on 14 March 2011.

North Union Railway
John McIntyre 2011


Carmarthen: 175009 lays over at Carmarthan on 14 March after arriving as the 11.30 from Manchester Piccadilly. Meantime 153323 stands further along the platform with the 15.09 Pembroke Dock to Swansea service.

Carmarthen and Cardigan Railway
David Pesterfield 2012


Ferryside: Block Section Apparatus Shelf in Ferryside signal box for block section to Carmarthen Junction on left and Kidwelly on right.

South Wales Railway
David Pesterfield 2012


Ferryside: View under the station footbridge from the signal box walkway as 158835 approaches Ferryside station level crossing at speed on 14 March 2012. The train is the 10.30 ex-Manchester Piccadilly, with 80 minutes remaining of its 6 hour journey to Milford Haven.

South Wales Railway
David Pesterfield 2012


Gowerton: A pre station rebuilding view at Gowerton in March 2012 with the abandoned former up platform seen across the singled bi-directional track serving the near platform. Since then the far platform has been rebuilt, the up track relaid, and a DDA compliant footbridge erected to serve both platforms. See image [[49027]] for a July 2013 view after this was completed.

South Wales Railway
David Pesterfield 2012


Kidwelly: View east from Kidwelly station to the box and crossing in 2012.

South Wales Railway
David Pesterfield 2012


Carmarthen: The truncated former main line to Aberystwyth in March 2012 ends by the overbridge just beyond the north end of Carmarthen Station.

Carmarthen and Cardigan Railway
David Pesterfield 2012


Kidwelly: The Kidwelly signal box combined circuit diagram and operating panel in March 2012. The moribund Gwendraeth Valley line, sidings and connection from the down line are at the upper centre of the panel.

South Wales Railway
David Pesterfield 2012


Ferryside: Ferryside signal box interior showing the bulk of levers out of use in March 2012. See image [[28179]]

South Wales Railway
David Pesterfield 2012


Gowerton: View west at Gowerton station in March 2012 showing the disused upside platform and trackbed that are planned to be brought back into use by 2014 as part of the re-doubling of track through to Llanelli. See image [[43808]] for a July 2013 view after this was completed.

South Wales Railway
David Pesterfield 2012


Gowerton: Bridge abutments at the west end of Gowerton Station in March 2012. The bridge that stood here carried the Llanelly Railway & Dock Company's Swansea Extension line, that ran from Pontarddulais, on their line to Craven Arms, and Swansea Victoria station at the south west side of town.

South Wales Railway
David Pesterfield 2012


Ayr: Artist Andrea Keys with her painted window at Ayr Station on 14 March 2013.

Ayr and Dalmellington Railway
John Yellowlees 2013


Strathcarron: A Kyle to Inverness Sprinter service approaching Strathcarron on a wet and overcast 14 March 2013.

Dingwall and Skye Railway
Brian Smith 2013


Oxheys: Freightliner 66520 heads north passed Oxheys Loop with empty coal wagons to Killoch from Fiddler's Ferry Power Station on 14 March 2013. In the loop are a number of single and double deck car carriers which had been removed from the 6O15 Mossend to Eastleigh freight in the early hours of 13 March.

Lancaster and Preston Junction Railway
John McIntyre 2013


Shrewsbury: 158835 stands at Shrewsbury on 14 March with the 11.33 Arriva Trains Wales ex-Cambrian Coast 6 car limited stop service to Birmingham International. Alongside is 170633, which will follow as the 11.47 London Midland all stations service to Birmingham New Street.

Shrewsbury and Birmingham Railway and Shropshire Union and Canal Railway Joint
David Pesterfield 2013


Preston South Junction: Over the top. DBS 60024 and 13 loaded bitumen tankers take the steep descent towards Preston Docks on 14 March. This view is from the south end of Platform 3 at Preston station.

North Union Railway
Mark Bartlett 2014


Oskova Washery: 0-8-2 No. 83159 at Oskova washery on the morning of 14th March 2014. The separation plant was down for maintenance at this point so not a loaded train being emptied - a team of men was engaged with picks, shovels etc. in dislodging all the caked coal dust from the bottom of the hopper wagons and shovelling it into the unloading bunkers, under cover to the left.

Banovici Coal Railway
Bill Jamieson 2014


Preston: 24th March 2014 saw the reopening of Holme Tunnel near Burnley after a four month closure for extensive reconstruction. The resumption of services on the Copy Pit line allowed the Preston Dock bitumen trains to revert to that route rather than travelling via Manchester Victoria as they have since November. One of the last trains to have taken the extended route arrives in Preston on a misty morning behind DBS 60024 and is seen joining the Ribble Branch to the docks.

North Union Railway
Mark Bartlett 2014


Lancaster: Although the new TPE 350 EMUs are now working alternately with the diesel units on the Manchester-Scotland services the crew training ECS runs between Preston and Carlisle continue. 350404, like all the units still unbranded, heads north passing Lancaster on the through lines at 0740 on 14 March.

Lancaster and Carlisle Railway
Mark Bartlett 2014


Banovici: In addition to three B-B diesel hydraulics of class 740, the Banovici coal railway possesses three 4w shunters of class 720, which are employed at the loading point at Turija and here at the works in Banovici. On 14 March no. 720 003 emerges from the works yard with two hopper wagons which have been receiving attention. The main part of the works seems to handle wagons and steam overhauls, while the tall building behind the loco deals with maintenance of the diesel fleet.

Banovici Coal Railway
Bill Jamieson 2014


Oskova: The smoke plume being produced by 83-159 at Oskova on 14 March is more indicative of the poor quality brown coal being burnt than of it having to make an all-out effort. Maximum speed (about 4mph) has probably already been reached!

RMUB
Bill Jamieson 2014


Oskova: With the sun going down, former JZ 0-8-2 No. 83 159 sets off from the yard at Oskova on 14 March for the short trip to the washery. The trains here typically comprise of fifteen wagons containing about 350t of 'coal' - some of it seems to contain a fair proportion of rock so the amount of real coal that comes out of the other end of the washery will be considerably less!

RMUB
Bill Jamieson 2014


Oskova: Above: Perhaps the most interesting wagon in Oskova yard on 14 March 2014 was this dumped (?) 8-axle well wagon - quite a monster for 760mm gauge!
Below: At one time there would have been hundreds of wooden-bodied bogie vans of similar design in use on the narrow gauge railways of Europe. This one serves the p-way gang on the Banovici Coal Railway and had been out on the line earlier that day.

RMUB
Bill Jamieson 2014


Oskova: 740 107 sets off from Oskova with empties for the loading point at Turija on 14 March 2014. The wagons have just been unloaded at the washery, which is also served by extensive standard gauge sidings at a much lower level down on the left. On the previous Sunday I had enjoyed a cab ride on this loco.

RMUB
Bill Jamieson 2014


Oskova: While 83-159 busies itself along at the washery, B-B DH No. 740-113 basks in the afternoon sunshine at Oskova Yard on 14 March waiting for unloading to be completed, after which it will take the empties back to the loading point at Turija.

RMUB
Bill Jamieson 2014


Chilvers Coton: Coton Arches are a well known local landmark, just North of the former Chilvers Coton suburban station see image [[26106]]. The viaduct is nearing the end of a 10-week programme of refurbishment; 70020 is seen inspecting the works on a Northbound Freightliner - the first wagon being empty.

Coventry to Nuneaton (London and North Western Railway)
Ken Strachan 2014


Oskova: A sunny afternoon on 14th March 2014 sees 83-159 getting to grips with fifteen loaded coal wagons, which it only has to drag about a quarter of a mile between Oskova Yard and the washery.

RMUB
Bill Jamieson 2014


Oskova: When viewed from the rear, the massive bulk of French built 0-8-0T No. 144R03, seen here dumped at Oskova, Bosnia on 14th March 2014, seems more reminiscent of some Edwardian era British tanks - for example the LSWR 4-8-0Ts of class G16 - and it comes as something of a surprise to find it was built as late as 1954.

RMUB
Bill Jamieson 2014


Oskova: 83159 takes water from a hydrant at Oskova between trips to the washery on 14th March 2014. This was only put in about two years ago but the traditional water column (just out of shot on the left) has been left in place and is easier to use. However it is often blocked by rakes of loaded wagons waiting to be taken to the washery, resulting in resort having to be made to the hydrant.

RMUB
Bill Jamieson 2014


Tomatin: The Network Rail Test Train near Tomatin on its way to Carrbridge on Friday 14 March. In the lead is DRS 37605 with 37667 bringing up the rear.

Inverness and Aviemore Direct Railway (Highland Railway)
John Gray 2014


Oskova: Another standard gauge loco dumped at Oskova (since 2002) is chunky 0-8-0T no 144R03, built by the French firm of Fives-Lille (works number 5234/1954). The high-level narrow gauge yard is more obvious from this angle - the bus on the extreme left indicates the afternoon shift change.

RMUB
Bill Jamieson 2014


Dalston: Royal Scot 46115 Scots Guardsman about to run south through Dalston on 14 March 2015 with the returning 'Cumbrian Coast Express', as a Carlisle bound DMU prepares to depart from platform 2.

Maryport and Carlisle Railway
Brian Smith 2015


Dalston: The southbound 'Cumbrian Coast Express' passes through Dalston on 14 March behind Royal Scot 46115 Scots Guardsman.

Maryport and Carlisle Railway
Brian Smith 2015


Gothenburg: Road-rage tram? Gothenburg 14 March 2015.

GS
Colin Miller 2015


Gothenburg: A calm-looking double unit tram in Gothenburg on 14 March 2015. It has not had to go through the major junction where all the traffic aggro gets them Angered. See image [[50729]]

GS
Colin Miller 2015


Kincardine: DBS 66037 nears Kincardine level crossing with coal from Hunterston to Longannet Power Station.

Kincardine Line (North British Railway)
Bill Roberton 2016


Cowlairs Incline: A Glasgow Queen Street to Falkirk Grahamston service on the crossover approaching Cowlairs South Junction passes under Fountainwell bridge which is due to be demolished shortly (March 2016.) Photographed from Sighthill cemetery grounds.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
Colin McDonald 2016


St Rollox: Looking east along the route of the former line from Buchanan Street Station. Costco is behind the bushes on the left and the Tesco Extra (built on the site of the St. Rollox Works) is on the right. The railway was in a cutting at this point and a slight dip remains marking the route.

Buchanan Street Extension (Caledonian Railway)
Colin McDonald 2016


Huyton: Northern Electric 319363 leaves Huyton heading for Lime Street on a service from Warrington Bank Quay. The next stop at Roby, a very short distance away, can also be seen. Huyton has changed significantly in just a few years with electrification and additional tracks. See image [[40738]] for a similar view in 2012.

Liverpool and Manchester Railway
Mark Bartlett 2016


St Rollox: View west along the route of the former Garnkirk Extension to Buchanan Street Station. The line curved to the left though Sighthill after passing under what is now Springburn Road.

Buchanan Street Extension (Caledonian Railway)
Colin McDonald 2016


Moy: On a bright, early Spring, morning, Colas Class 60 No.60021 has just left the passing loop at Moy, heading for Inverness, with the Oxwellmains Lafarge - Inverness Lafarge cement tanks.

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


Preston: Newly out of the paint shop, a very shiny 37402 has lost its DRS Compass livery in favour of Large Logo blue livery, complete with West Highland Terrier logos. The Class 37, named Stephen Middlemore 23.12.1954 - 8.6.2013, is seen at Preston with the 1004hrs Preston to Barrow-in-Furness on 14th March 2016.

North Union Railway
Mark Bartlett 2016


Bilston Glen Viaduct: Standing below Bilston Glen Viaduct on 14 March 2016 looking north across the deep valley of the Bilston Burn towards Loanhead see image [[16772]].

Edinburgh, Loanhead and Roslin Railway
John Furnevel 2016


Longannet West Arrival: DBS 66037 skirts the Forth with empties with the doomed power station in the background. During the final three weeks of March trains may run daily, although timetabling is not be reliable.

Kincardine Line (North British Railway)
Bill Roberton 2016


Smithy Bridge: Smithy Bridge level crossing sees 158904 hurry through on a Leeds to Manchester Victoria service on 14th March 2016. The signal box that previously controlled the level crossing closed in 2014 and was only recently demolished.

Manchester and Leeds Railway
Mark Bartlett 2016


Bilston Glen Viaduct: View towards Loanhead from the south end of Bilston Glen Viaduct on 14 March 2016. The twin bearings supporting the south end of the structure stand on their concrete plinth, with the girders of the 135m span fading into the haze. See image [[60627]]

Edinburgh, Loanhead and Roslin Railway
John Furnevel 2016


Roslin: After leaving Roslin station the EL&R passed below the B7006, which carried the village's Main Street over the formation. Passenger services on the branch ceased in 1933 although freight operations continued for many years, including links to Roslin Colliery and brickworks located beyond the bridge. The line was cut back to Bilston Glen Colliery in 1966. Since closure the old bridge has been the subject of major 'modifications', presumably for strengthening purposes. View south west towards Glencorse on 14 March 2016, with housing now occupying the site of Roslin station behind the camera.See image [[37619]]

Edinburgh, Loanhead and Roslin Railway
John Furnevel 2016


Loanhead: Northbound from Roslin along the trackbed of EL&R approaching Loanhead on 14 March 2016. The line dropped down here to pass below the town centre at the crossroads of the B702 and A768. View is north east, showing the substantial 'enhanced road bridge', with Loanhead station standing 100m beyond see image [[5708]]. The last rail traffic used the route in 1991, when coal stocks were being cleared from the closed Bilston Glen Colliery.

Edinburgh, Loanhead and Roslin Railway
John Furnevel 2016


Preston: A 16 wheel (4 bogie) MOD wagon trundles north through Preston station behind DRS 66424 on 14th March 2016.

North Union Railway
Mark Bartlett 2016


St Rollox Works: An original support column from the St Rollox Caledonian Railway Works survives at the north east corner of the Tesco supermarket which has been built on the site. The plaque (insert) is actually mounted at the bottom of the column.

Garnkirk and Glasgow Railway
Colin McDonald 2016


Parkside [1st]: Grab shot of the rather inaccessible Huskisson Memorial, a Grade II listed structure, seen from a passing Liverpool to Manchester EMU on 14th March 2016. This is the site of Parkside's first station, only open from 1830 to 1839, but where Huskisson was fatally injured while his opening day train was taking on water. The memorial plaque inside the structure is even less visible but a replica is displayed at nearby Newton-le-Willows station. See image [[53228]]

Liverpool and Manchester Railway
Mark Bartlett 2016


Kirkham and Wesham: Northern 158901, originally a dedicated WYPTE unit, takes the sweeping curve of the Up Fast line through Kirkham station with a Blackpool to York service on 14th March 2016. The wide space between the tracks originally accommodated the station signal box and may have been intended for an additional but never built island platform.

Preston and Wyre Railway, Dock and Harbour
Mark Bartlett 2016


Burnley Manchester Road: A Manchester Victoria to Blackburn service (via the reinstated Todmorden Curve), calls at Burnley Manchester Road on 14th March 2016. Closed originally in 1961, the station was reopened in 1986 but the new station building was only constructed in 2015.

Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway
Mark Bartlett 2016


Huyton: Northern Electric 319377 departs from the restored Platform 3 at Huyton on 14th March 2016 with a stopping service from Lime Street to Wigan. In the foreground the line through Platform 4 comes to an abrupt halt but will eventually be connected.

Liverpool and Manchester Railway
Mark Bartlett 2016


Dalmally: Icelandic knitters take train to Dalmally!

Callander and Oban Railway
John Yellowlees 2016


Burghlee Ground Frame: After passing south through Loanhead the EL&R veered left, before crossing the valley of the Bilston Burn on Bilston Glen Viaduct, part of which can be seen in the left background. The last train crossed the viaduct (from Roslin Colliery) in the 1960s with the route south closed in 1966. The flat area to the right housed some of the sidings serving Bilston Glen Colliery, which ceased production in 1988.

Edinburgh, Loanhead and Roslin Railway
John Furnevel 2016


Loanhead: The trackbed of the former Edinburgh, Loanhead and Roslin Railway running north through Loanhead on 14 March 2016. The reinforced plate girder bridge carries Church Street over the old route, approximately half a mile short of Loanhead station. The last train passed this way in 1991 with the final consignment of stockpiled coal from the closed Bilston Glen Colliery.

Edinburgh, Loanhead and Roslin Railway
John Furnevel 2016


Stansfield Hall Junction: Grab shot from a Pacer negotiating the new Todmorden Curve and about to climb to Copy Pit summit on its way to Burnley and Blackburn from Manchester Victoria. The chord was relaid and opened to trains in May 2015 after a long campaign by East Lancashire local authorities. See image [[46768]]

Manchester and Leeds Railway
Mark Bartlett 2016


Smithy Bridge: Smithy Bridge station was closed from 1960 until reopened by GMPTE in 1985. With the reintroduced services from Burnley complementing those on the Calder Valley route it now enjoys a roughly half hourly service of trains to and from Manchester. 156424 calls on a stopping service from Leeds to Manchester Victoria in March 2016.

Manchester and Leeds Railway
Mark Bartlett 2016


Edinburgh Gateway: A look across the generously-sized ticket hall mid-morning on 14/03/2017. I'm assuming things get busier than this when commuters make their way too and from the tram stop on their way to the business district of Edinburgh Park. I hope so as there is no park and ride and little housing around here so it's really just a transfer point.

Forth Bridge Connecting Lines (North British Railway)
David Panton 2017


Edinburgh Gateway: A 158 from Perth calls at Edinburgh Gateway on 14/03/2017. The salt on the platform is a relic of a colder day, but it was blowy here as always. As far as I can see not many people travel into Edinburgh from here as there is no park and ride, and people coming from the airport on the tram would surely stay on it.

Forth Bridge Connecting Lines (North British Railway)
David Panton 2017


Baillieston [1st]: A class 318 EMU on a Dalmuir Whifflet service passes the site of the original Baillieston station. The houses seen top left in the background are on the site of sidings serving Calderbank Colliery which was itself accessed via a short tunnel. In the right foreground was the signal box and junction for the goods station at Baillieston.

Rutherglen and Coatbridge Railway
Colin McDonald 2017


Braehead Viaduct: A Whifflet – Dalmuir service crossing the Bargeddie Bridge which was constructed in 2015 as part of the M8 upgrade works. The spoil has long since been dug out from under the bridge deck see image [[52188]] and the carriageways are currently (March 2017) being completed and joined up with the M8 at Baillieston.

Rutherglen and Coatbridge Railway
Colin McDonald 2017


Rosewell and Hawthornden: This Gorton Crossing is slightly easier to get to than the WHL one. It was an LC between Rosewell station (ahead) and Hawthornden Junction. Gorton Road crossed the trackbed until very recently (as it still does on Streetview, at time of writing) but there's now a new road leading to a roundabout behind me, which completely obliterates the site of the junction.

Peebles Railway
David Panton 2018


Rosewell and Hawthornden: The site of the junction station of Rosewell, looking south on 14th March 2018. Take my word for it that both platforms survive. The literary Hawthornden Prize can pronounce the name as it will, but here the emphasis is on the last syllable as at other Scottish locations (Cardenden, Bearsden, Ferryden). Someone's got to care.

Peebles Railway
David Panton 2018


Bonnyrigg: One of the imitation totems at Bonnyrigg station site. How does it compare with the real thing? Size and shape: excellent. Colour: excellent. Lining: excellent. Font: brave effort. Totems were a standard size (36 x 10 inches) so longer names had to have smaller lettering. Neighbouring Rosewell & Hawthornden's lettering would be considered illegible by today's standards.

Peebles Railway
David Panton 2018


Gatwick Airport [1st]: Opened in 1935, 0.85 miles (1.37 km) south of the present station. It was originally named Tinsley Green but within a year became Gatwick Airport following the completion of the Beehive airport terminal which had a direct connection to the station. The airport was requisitioned by the Royal Air Force in 1940. In 1952 the British government decided that it would form London's second airport. The station continued in operation until 27 May 1958 when the present Gatwick Airport was completed and opened

London and Brighton Railway
Caleb Abbott 2018


Edinburgh Waverley: 170403 to Arbroath waiting to depart from Edinburgh Waverley on 14th March 2019.

North British Railway
David Bosher 2019


Haymarket: The rebuilt platforms at Haymarket station, originally opened in 1842, looking west through the upper deck windows of a Lothian Bus on route 25 above the tunnel portals on Dalry Road, on 14th March 2019. The former overall roof now graces Bo'Ness station on the Bo'Ness & Kinneil Railway.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
David Bosher 2019


Barnhill Signal Box: Peppercorn A1 60163 'Tornado' steaming along the Perth to Dundee line with 'The Aberdonian' railtour from Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdeen, on 14th March 2019. The train is about to pass under M90.

Dundee and Perth Railway
David Bosher 2019


Stirling: It is obviously going to be some footbridge. A Glasgow to Alloa 170 passes the building site at Stirling with what should be an electric service. The date is 14 March 2019.

Scottish Central Railway
David Panton 2019


Arbroath: 'The Aberdonian' railtour from Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdeen, behind Peppercorn A1 class no. 60163 'Tornado', passing Arbroath station, on 14th March 2019.

Junction Line (Dundee and Arbroath Railway)
David Bosher 2019


Arbroath Signal Box: A1 Pacific 60163 'Tornado' passing Arbroath with the 'Aberdonian' on 14 March 2019.

Junction Line (Dundee and Arbroath Railway)
Sandy Steele 2019


Kinghorn Tunnel: A1 Tornado passes Pettycur Bay on the approach to Kinghorn Tunnel with 'The Aberdonian' on 14 March.

Edinburgh and Northern Railway
Bill Roberton 2019


Aberdeen: Station concourse, Aberdeen, on the evening of 14th March 2019.

Aberdeen Joint (Caledonian Railway)
David Bosher 2019


Edinburgh Waverley: Peppercorn Class A1 no. 60163 'Tornado' bringing the stock of 'The Aberdonian' railtour to Aberdeen into Edinburgh Waverley, on the morning of Thursday, 14th March 2019.

North British Railway
David Bosher 2019


Aberdeen: Peppercorn A1 class no. 60163 'Tornado' at Aberdeen station, waiting to return to Edinburgh Waverley with 'The Aberdonian' railtour, on 14th March 2019.

Aberdeen Joint (Caledonian Railway)
David Bosher 2019


Newbigging Siding: Peppercorn Class A1 60163 'Tornado' at the head of 'The Aberdonian' railtour from Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdeen, just past Inverkeithing and taking the line along the coast through Aberdour and Burntisland, on 14th March 2019.

Aberdour Line (North British Railway)
David Bosher 2019


Falkirk Grahamston: A Glasgow to Edinburgh via Cumbernauld service calls at Grahamston on 14 March 2019. From the December 2018 timetable the frequency of trains from here to Edinburgh doubled to 4 an hour. Glasgow trains doubled too, to 2 an hour.

Stirlingshire Midland Junction Railway
David Panton 2019


Perth Princes Street: After a brief stop at Perth, 'The Aberdonian' railtour from Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdeen behind Peppercorn A1 class no. 60163 'Tornado', gets under way again on 14th March 2019.

Dundee and Perth Railway
David Bosher 2019


Aberdeen: 37706 bringing the stock of 'The Aberdonian' railtour into Aberdeen station, in readiness for the return journey to Edinburgh Waverley, with Peppercorn class A1 no. 60163 'Tornado' once again in charge at the head, on the evening of Thursday, 14th March 2019.

Aberdeen Joint (Caledonian Railway)
David Bosher 2019


Haymarket: Though it was on time the Class 158 forming this Glasgow - Cumbernauld - Edinburgh service was terminated at the front of Haymarket's Platform 0 to return to the depot. Meanwhile, two-and-a-half hours in advance it has been decided that the 1605 from Waverley will now be the 1609 from Haymarket and the stock is apparently already in place. I can't explain that one. Photographed on 14 March 2019.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
David Panton 2019


Invergowrie: Peppercorn A1 60163 'Tornado' taking on water at Invergowrie, on the Perth to Dundee line, while in charge of 'The Aberdonian' railtour from Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdeen, on 14th March 2019.

Dundee and Perth Railway
David Bosher 2019


Tay Viaduct [Perth]: Peppercorn A1 class no. 60163 'Tornado' crossing Perth Viaduct with 'The Aberdonian' railtour from Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdeen, on 14th March 2019.

Dundee and Perth Railway
David Bosher 2019


Linlithgow: Your electric service to Waverley is now a diesel to Haymarket. The shortage of EMUs in Central Scotland is still being felt on 14 March 2019. The unit was returning to Haymarket depot because of a fault which hardly seemed to affect the running.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
David Panton 2019


Stirling: A Dunblane to Edinburgh service pulls into Stirling on 14 March 2019. Class 385s look to me a bit like scaled-up models, but perhaps new trains always do.

Scottish Central Railway
David Panton 2019


Aberdeen: Peppercorn class A1 no. 60163 'Tornado' at Aberdeen station on the evening of Thursday, 14th March 2019, prior to departure with the return 'The Aberdonian' railtour to Edinburgh Waverley.

Aberdeen Joint (Caledonian Railway)
David Bosher 2019


Aberdeen: Peppercorn class A1 no. 60163 'Tornado' just arrived from Edinburgh Waverley at 'The Aberdonian' railtour's destination at Aberdeen station, on 14th March 2019. Quite why there was a naval presence, I have yet to discover.

Aberdeen Joint (Caledonian Railway)
David Bosher 2019


Falkirk Grahamston: Dunblane (right) and Edinburgh trains pass at Grahamston on 14 March 2019. From December 2018 daytime departures here leapt from a long-standing 5 an hour to 8.

Stirlingshire Midland Junction Railway
David Panton 2019


Polmont: With electric trains running to diesel timetables early arrivals at intermediate stops are usual, as with this 1309 departure for Edinburgh on 14 March 2019. Just as well as I wouldn't have been able to then catch it whilst retaining my dignity. Meanwhile on the other platform 'via Cumbernauld - cancelled' goes together like 'Partick Thistle - nil'.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
David Panton 2019


Edinburgh Waverley: Journey's End for 'The Aberdonian' railtour with the return excursion from Aberdeen now back at Edinburgh Waverley station, after dark on 14th March 2019.

North British Railway
David Bosher 2019


Haymarket: A ScotRail HST calls at Haymarket with an Inverness service on 14 March 2019. The carriages are still branded GWR.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
David Panton 2019


Bridge of Allan: A Dunblane to Edinburgh service makes its first stop on 14 March. I was hoping to see some 365s in what was to be their last week in service up here but didn't see a single one. This shiny 385 will have to do.

Scottish Central Railway
David Panton 2019


Linlithgow: Seven cars of Class 385 whoosh through Linlithgow with a Queen Street express on 14 March 2019; Mr Bank of Scotland and his chicken look on.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
David Panton 2019


Polmont: A Class 380 calls at Polmont with an Edinburgh - Cumbernauld - Glasgow service on 14 March 2019. Along with Linlithgow, Polmont lost its direct trains to Stirling and Dunblane to accommodate these services. Predictably perhaps not everyone is happy.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
David Panton 2019


Forth Bridge: Looking north along the Forth Bridge from 'The Aberdonian' railtour from Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdeen, behind Peppercorn Class A1 no. 60163 'Tornado', on 14th March 2019.

Forth Bridge Railway
David Bosher 2019


Falkirk Grahamston: Class 385s have been the more usual fare on Edinburgh - Cumbernauld - Glasgow services but here on 14 March 2019 a 380 takes a turn. Suddenly they seem perhaps just a bit dated?

Stirlingshire Midland Junction Railway
David Panton 2019


Stonehaven: 'The Aberdonian' railtour from Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdeen, behind Peppercorn class A1 no. 60163 'Tornado', passing the Grade B listed station at Stonehaven, on 14th March 2019.

Aberdeen Railway
David Bosher 2019


Hellifield: The present Hellifield station was opened by the Midland Railway on 1st June 1880, replacing an earlier station opened by the 'Little' North Western Railway in 1849. Despite its rather rundown appearance with disused track-removed bay platforms, it has been a Grade II Listed Structure since 1977. The north end is seen here from RTC's return steam-hauled excursion from Carlisle to Preston, restarting after a water stop, on a rainy 14th March 2020.

North Western Railway
David Bosher 2020


Carnforth: The south end of Carnforth station, where only the Furness line platforms are now in use, with E3137 (86259) now detached from this Railway Touring Company's excursion as it awaits the attachment of Jubilee Class no. 5699 (BR no. 45699, currently running as 45562 'Alberta') to take the train on to Carlisle, on 14th March 2020. On the right are the disused and partially demolished main line platforms which closed in May 1970, since when any passengers from the Furness Line wishing to travel north to, for instance, Oxenholme and Penrith, now have to go all the way down to Lancaster and come back up again. Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard are conspicuous by their absence but I was hoping Rachmaninov's 2nd Piano Concerto, which played over the opening credits of the famous 1945 film 'Brief Encounter' when the station was nice and smoky in atmospheric black-and-white, would be played to herald our arrival. But alas.

Ulverston and Lancaster Railway
David Bosher 2020


Appleby: Jubilee Class no. 5699 'Galatea' (BR no. 45699), built at Crewe in 1936, restored at Carnforth and now currently running as 45562 'Alberta', with a Railway Touring Company excursion returning from Carlisle to Preston taking on water at Appleby station on the Settle & Carlisle Line, diverted from the Cumbrian Coast Line after a landslide the previous day, on the afternoon of Saturday, 14th March 2020.

Settle and Carlisle Line (Midland Railway)
David Bosher 2020


Woodacre Crossing: Most Pendolinos are still running without the new Avanti livery, although that is perhaps the least of the company's worries at the moment. 390050 heads for Glasgow passing through the Lancashire countryside at Woodacre on 14th March 2020.

Lancaster and Preston Junction Railway
Mark Bartlett 2020


Ribblehead Viaduct: View from RTC's steam-hauled return railtour from Carlisle to Preston, looking south-east from Ribblehead Viaduct on the Settle & Carlisle Line, on the afternoon of Saturday, 14th March 2020. This magnificent structure took five years to construct between 1870 and 1875, is 440 yards long, 104 feet high and has 24 spans. It was designed by an architect named John Sydney Crossley of whom I have been unable to discover anything.

Settle and Carlisle Line (Midland Railway)
David Bosher 2020


Woodacre Crossing: A Windermere to Manchester Airport service, formed by CAF Civity 195107, heads south at Woodacre on 14th March 2020.

Lancaster and Preston Junction Railway
Mark Bartlett 2020


Carlisle: Jubilee Class 45699 'Galatea', currently running as 45562 'Alberta', built at Crewe in 1936, just arrived at Carlisle, at lunchtime on Saturday, 14th March 2020. This locomotive brought this RTC excursion train from Carnforth taking over from E 3137 (86 259) from London. After a 90 minutes stopover here, it returned south via the Settle & Carlisle and Clitheroe Lines to Preston though it was originally scheduled to run back behind steam to Carnforth via the Cumbrian Coast Line. It was diverted following a landslide on the latter on the previous day.

Caledonian Railway
David Bosher 2020


Appleby: Main buildings at Appleby station on the northbound platform, seen from the footbridge, on 14th March 2020. This station opened with the Settle & Carlisle Line as Appleby on 1st May 1876 and was renamed Appleby West on 1st September 1952. On the same day, Appleby station on the Stainmore Line was renamed Appleby East but this station closed with the line on 22nd January 1962. There was then no longer any need for the 'West' suffix at the S & C station but it was not until 6th May 1968 that it reverted to simply Appleby.

Settle and Carlisle Line (Midland Railway)
David Bosher 2020


Preston: Jubilee Class 45699 'Galatea', currently running as 45562 'Alberta', built at Crewe in 1936, has just arrived at Preston station, where it finished its outing, having hauled a diverted RTC railtour from Carlisle via the Settle & Carlisle and Clitheroe Lines, on 14th March 2020.

North Union Railway
David Bosher 2020


Euston: E 3137 (86 259) at Euston, just after 6.30 a.m. on Saturday, 14th March 2020, with a Railway Touring Company excursion advertised to the Cumbrian Coast with steam back from Carlisle to Carnforth but which had to be diverted via the Settle & Carlisle after the coastal loop was damaged by a landslip that occurred the very day before the tour and which just happened to be Friday the 13th! To compensate, Jubilee Class no. 5699 (BR no. 45699 'Galatea' running as 45562 'Alberta') took the train from Carnforth to Carlisle over Shap and thence back to Preston via Hellifield, Clitheroe and Blackburn. E 3137 was one of 100 AL6 (later class 86) electrics and came off the production line at Doncaster Works in late 1965. It was renumbered 86 045 in January 1974 before becoming 86 259 in May 1975. It worked on services on the WCML and the Great Eastern main line until withdrawn in 2003. After 16 months in store, it was restored at Tyseley Loco Works in Birmingham and began its new life in preservation in 2008. A BIG disappointment not to go on the Cumbrian Coast by steam but rapid planning by the RTC came up with the alternative route. After a photo and water stop at Appleby, however, the rain came on so bad during the climb up to Ais Gill Summit that, at times, it was difficult to see out the windows.

London and Birmingham Railway
David Bosher 2020


Woodacre Crossing: 86259 'Les Ross' with an excursion from Euston, heading for the loco change to 45699 at Carnforth, passing Woodacre on 14th March 2020. This tour was scheduled to use the Cumbrian Coast line but was diverted to the S&C because of a landslip.

Lancaster and Preston Junction Railway
Mark Bartlett 2020


Leyland: The 6K30 Carlisle NY to Longport is one of the more unpredictable services and on 14 March 2022 it was maintaining its reputation. 56302 appeared at Leyland some two hours early but fortunately I was nearby at the time.

North Union Railway
John McIntyre 2022


Events


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

YearCompaniesDescription
1867Polloc and Govan RailwayLine along West Street to Windmillcroft Quay lifted for a length of 35 chains. Stub of line is left at southern end from West Street Junction serving the Tradeston Destructor
1895Rhondda and Swansea Bay RailwayAberavon Seaside opened
1895Rhondda and Swansea Bay RailwayNeath Branch from Court Sart opened to a new Neath station.
1895Rhondda and Swansea Bay RailwayOpened to passengers to Swansea Riverside station.
1927Halls TramwayPassenger service starts between Pontypool Road and Penmaen Halt and Oakdale Halt via Penar Junction. Rhiw-Syr-Dafdd signalbox to Colliers Arms doubled.
1982Mallaig Extension (West Highland Railway)Mallaig signal box becomes a ground frame only with one-engine-in-steam working.

News


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

YearCompaniesDescription
2003Shortlist for ScotRail franchise biddersThe four companies are:

- Arriva Trains Ltd
- First Group PLC
- National Express Group PLC (Present franchise holder)
- Serco Rail/Netherlands Railways
2004Girl hurt as bus hits bridge [Scotsman]A CHILD was injured when the double-decker bus she was travelling on hit a railway bridge.
2005Borders rail link funding may hit political buffers [Scotsman]PLANS to reopen the Waverley rail line from Edinburgh to the Borders could be undermined by a bitter battle between Labour and Liberal Democrats inside the Scottish Executive.
2005Line will pay way claims rail group [Scotsman]THE backers of the Waverley rail line today insisted the reopening of the historic Edinburgh-Borders service would not be sidelined by demands that it pass a "value for money" test.
2005Waverley line will pay way, claims rail group [Scotsman]THE backers of the Waverley rail line today insisted the reopening of the historic Edinburgh-Borders service would not be sidelined by demands that it pass a "value for money" test.
2005Waverley Line plan wins backing [BBC News]The Scottish Executive pledges up to £115m towards the cost of reopening a rail link to the Borders.
2005Waverley rail link [Scottish Executive]Transport Minister confirms Executive support for rail link between Borders and Midlothian.
2005Minister to face CalMac quizzing [BBC News]Transport Minister Nicol Stephen is set to face questions over plans to put CalMac ferry routes out to tender.
2005Image search added to RAILSCOTSearching in this website will now search the image database too.
2006Rail passengers on track for strike action chaos [Scotsman]RAIL passengers are facing disruption this Friday if a planned strike by train managers goes ahead.
2007£2.5bn hope for improved subway [BBC News]Proposals to extend and modernise Glasgow^s subway at an estimated cost of £2.5bn are announced.
2007Glasgow Subway ^to be twice the size^ [Scotsman]GLASGOW^S 110-year-old Subway could be doubled in size, with an extension to Celtic Park, under plans due to be unveiled today.
2007Railways ^to get 1,000 carriages^ [BBC News]Ministers are expected to announce an extra 1,000 carriages for the rail network, to be introduced by 2014.
2008Kings Cross development [Railway Strategies]Work begins in earnest on the £400 million redevelopment of Kings Cross station this year. The 50 million passengers who will use Kings Cross station each year will benefit from an entirely restored, lighter and more attractive station.
2009MSPs to quiz rail share row chief [BBC News Article]A committee of MSPs is to grill former Transport Scotland finance chief Guy Houston, who resigned amid a shareholding row.
2011Kent and Sussex heritage railway extension set to reopen [BBC]A two-mile section of railway that has been closed for more than 25 years is expected to reopen later this month. [From Richard Buckby]
2012Inside the new-look King^s Cross station [BBC]The BBC^s Transport Correspondent Richard Westcott has been taking a look around the new western concourse at the redeveloped King^s Cross Station
2012Longer trains to boost Virgin Trains capacity [Rail.co]Longer trains are set to enter service with Virgin Trains in April, providing 150 extra Standard seats on some of the busiest services on the West Coast Main Line. The longer trains will initially work services on the London to Birmingham route, but as more 11-coach trains come into service they will also operate some of the busiest trains on the Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow routes.
2012^Horrible^ rail carriages blasted by MSP [STV]Rail passengers travelling between the north of Scotland and the central belt have to endure ^horrible^ carriages, according to the convener of a Holyrood committee.
2012Glasgow Airport aims to revive rail link plan [Scotsman]THE plan to connect the airport serving Glasgow with a new rail and tram link to the city centre is being revived despite the controversial cancellation of the project by the SNP government.
2014Volunteer passengers get on board for Edinburgh tram tests [BBC News]Hundreds of volunteer passengers have been getting on board Edinburgh^s trams to help check how the new system works. Operators said they wanted to carry out a number of realistic exercises to test operational and safety procedures. Test runs have also been taking place for drivers to get used to the route and flow of traffic. Edinburgh Council hopes services can be launched in May.
2014Community Railways celebrate 21st year [Railnews]THE SUN came out in West Yorkshire to help supporters of Community Railways celebrate the 21st year since the idea was first promoted in Britain. There are now well over 40 Community Rail partnerships, and passenger usage on the lines they support and promote has been rising fast. The landmark was celebrated in another way, when the founder of Community Railways in Britain Paul Salveson unveiled a plaque on the new headquarters of the Association of Community Rail Partnerships in Huddersfield. The building, close to Huddersfield station, is anything but new, having built as the support for a locomotive water supply tank in the later nineteenth century.
2014Passengers trapped in a ^runaway^ Tube train [Mail]Horrified rush-hour passengers were trapped in a ‘runaway’ Tube train which ran through four stations without stopping on Friday. The Tube driver told passengers on the Southbound Northern Line train that he had lost control of the train because a new automated system had ‘overridden’ his commands.
2016South Suburban rail plan gets ScotRail boss’ backing [Evening News]Proposals to run hybrid train-trams on the South Suburban rail line have received a boost from the boss of ScotRail. Managing director Phil Verster told MSPs they offered a “real practical solution” to easing pressure on the rail network. Tram-trains, which are being trialled in Yorkshire and are widely used in Europe, can run on both tram and train tracks. They could be introduced in Edinburgh under plans by Network Rail to electrify the “South Sub” to divert more freight trains from running through Waverley. The tram-trains could run into the city centre before switching to tracks on streets. Mr Verster was previously involved with the Yorkshire experiment in his last job as Network Rail’s London North East route managing director.
2016TfL blamed for £886m ^scandal^ of Tube upgrade delays [BBC News]Four Tube line upgrades will be five years late and £886m over budget after ^gross mismanagement^ by Transport for London, the London Assembly says. TfL spent £85m paying off Bombardier, the firm originally appointed for the work, whose contract was a ^disaster for London^, an assembly report said. It means District, Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City lines upgrades are not due to be complete until 2023. TfL said work was now ^well under way^ and it had taken action to cut costs. [From Richard Buckby]
2016Queen Street rail passengers warned to expect disruption [STV News]Diversions will be in place when tunnel closes for five months from Sunday [the 20th]. Rail passengers are being reminded to check how their journey will be affected by major improvement works at one of Scotland^s busiest stations. The Queen Street tunnel in Glasgow will be closed for five months from Sunday, with trains diverted to either Queen Street low level or Glasgow Central Station.
2017Preston-Blackpool line upgrade underway [Rail News]Network Rail and its contractors have begun the main construction phase of a scheme to electrify the Preston and Blackpool line. Track lowering works started at Poutlon at the end of February. Once this is completed at the end of May, work will begin on the installation of over 200km of overhead catenary. The upgrade is part of the £1 billion Great North Rail Project. [From Richard Buckby]
2018Big increase in ScotRail trains missing station stops [Scotsman] The number of ScotRail trains skipping stops has rocketed by 77 per cent since last August, MPs were told today. Some 27 trains a day missed intermediate station stops between August and February, figures provided to Mid-Scotland and Fife Green MSP Mark Ruskell showed. That compares to around 15 trains a day between January and August last year, and 20 for the whole of 2017. The practice is aimed at minimising knock-on delays to other trains but has infuriated passengers left stranded. Transport minister Humza Yousaf has called for it to be minimised, especially at peak periods.
2019Councillors approve extension to Edinburgh^s tram line [BBC News]Edinburgh^s tram line is to be extended from the city centre to Newhaven at a cost of up to £207m. Supporters of the plan to lengthen the tram line by 2.8 miles (4.6km) say it is needed to match the city^s population growth. But funding concerns have been raised after it was revealed the project^s costs had jumped by 25%. The original tram project came in at twice its original budget and the mistakes made on that scheme are subject to an ongoing public inquiry.
2019All aboard the steam-hauled train from Edinburgh [BBC News]The Steam Locomotive Tornado leaves Edinburgh, hauling ^The Aberdonian^ to Aberdeen. [See link for video.]
2019^Hitachi trains for Happy trains^ ScotRail replace Class 365s [ScotRail]More brand-new trains will run on Central Scotlands newly electrified railway
2020York railway station transformation secures funding [BBC News]Funding of £14.5m has been secured to transform the area in front of York^s railway station. The proposals would see the demolition of the Queen Street Bridge and the relocation of a short stay car park and taxi rank. Councillors say the scheme would create a fitting gateway to the city as part of a major development scheme. The money comes following a successful bid by the Leeds City Region to the government^s Transforming Cities Fund.
2020Caledonian Sleeper fails to reach any passenger satisfaction targets [Scotsman]A Caledonian Sleeper train has broken down leaving passengers hundreds of miles from their destination as it was revealed the service has failed to hit satisfaction targets since operator Serco took over five years ago.
2020About turn on parking spaces beside playpark [Ayr Advertiser]Angry Barassie residents have forced a council u-turn on plans to provide new parking space for station users alongside a popular play park.