This day in history 15 August

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Plates, signs, notices etc: Scottish Midland Junction Railway waybill of 15 August 1846 concerning the shipment of 4 tons 17 cwt of coal from Dundee to Coupar Angus via Newtyle.

Scottish Midland Junction Railway
Ian Dinmore 1846


Bridge of Dun: Glasgow - Aberdeen express passing Bridge of Dun Junction. 5P 4.6.0 45465.

Aberdeen Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1953


Guthrie Junction: Forfar - Arbroath train passing Guthrie Junction. NBR 4.4.2T 67493.

Arbroath and Forfar Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1953


Guthrie Junction: Up Special passing Guthrie Junction on a windy day. 5P 4.6.0 45497.

Arbroath and Forfar Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1953


Guthrie Junction: Up Special passing Guthrie Junction on a windy day. 5P 4.6.0 44797.

Arbroath and Forfar Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1953


Ardler Junction: Scene at Ardler Junction looking west towards Coupar Angus on Saturday 15 August 1953. Ex-Caledonian 0-4-4T no 55227 is passing the signal box with a Blairgowrie - Dundee West train. With Ardler Junction taken out the train will have to reverse at Alyth Junction.

Scottish Midland Junction Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1953


Strathord: Looking north at Strathord Junction in the summer of 1953. The Bankfoot branch turns off to the left, with Stanley Junction straight ahead on the main line.
See query 2277

Scottish Midland Junction Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1953


Forfar North Junction: A down summer Saturday express runs through Forfar North Junction on 15 August 1953. The train is hauled by one of Grangemouth shed's Black 5 4-6-0s no 45011.
See query 2301

Arbroath and Forfar Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1953


Ardler Junction: An Arbroath - Perth train passing Ardler Junction signal box on 15 August 1953 behind ex-Caledonian 4-4-0 no 54450.

Newtyle and Coupar Angus Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1953


Kirriemuir Junction: Black 5 4-6-0 no 45158 Glasgow Yeomanry passing Kirriemuir Junction with an up summer Saturday special on 15 August 1953. View is south east towards the junction from the branch line.

Scottish Midland Junction Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1953


Forfar North Junction: V2 2-6-2 no 60822 off Dundee Tay Bridge (62B) brings an up summer Saturday express through Forfar North Junction on 15 August 1953.

Scottish Midland Junction Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1953


Kirriemuir Junction: View west at Kirriemuir Junction on 15 August 1953 as ex-Caledonian 4-4-0 no 54486 brings a Forfar bound freight off the branch

Scottish Midland Junction Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1953


Camno Crossing: De-streamlined Stanier Pacific 46246 City of Manchester, with the Saturday 7.15am ex-Buchanan Street, photographed at Camno Crossing approaching Alyth Junction on 15 August 1953.

Scottish Midland Junction Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1953


Maybole: BR Standard class 5 4-6-0 no 73104 photographed near Maybole on 15 August 1959 at the head of a train from Stranraer bound for Glasgow St Enoch.
See query 2165

Maybole and Girvan Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Dailly: Corkerhill Black 5 45007 photographed near Bargany, Ayrshire, on the approach to Dailly on 15 August 1959 with a train from Girvan for Glasgow St Enoch. [Ref query 3415]

Maybole and Girvan Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Polmont Shed: D11 no 62694 James Fitzjames standing amongst the stored steam engines in the sidings at Polmont in August 1959. Officially withdrawn from Haymarket shed some three months later, the locomotive was cut up at Arnott Young, Carmyle, in February 1960.

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


Dalrymple: Class 2P 4-4-0 40664 approaching Dalrymple on 15 August 1959 with a Glasgow - Girvan train.

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


Polmont shed: Name painted on the splasher of Robinson D11 4-4-0 no 62682, photographed in 1959 during the period the locomotive was 'stored' in the sidings alongside Polmont shed. Haystoun of Bucklaw is a character in Sir Walter Scott's novel The Bride of Lammermoor. See image [[27546]]

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


Dailly: BR Standard class 5 4-6-0 73060 photographed just south of Dailly on Saturday 15 August 1959 with a Glasgow to Girvan train.
See query 2145

Maybole and Girvan Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Plates, signs, notices etc: The skill of the works sign writer is well illustrated on the splasher of St Margarets D30 Scott class 4-4-0 no 62421 Laird o' Monkbarns. The photograph was taken on a 'stored' locomotive line at Polmont in the summer of 1959. The locomotive was cut up at Cowlairs some 10 months later. See image [[27511]]

British Rail
A Snapper (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1959


Craighead Summit: BR Standard class 5 4-6-0 73060 at Craighead Summit approaching Dailly on 15 August 1959 with a Girvan - Glasgow train. [Ref query 4667]

Maybole and Girvan Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Dailly: Black 5 45490 about to run through Dailly, between Girvan and Maybole, on 15 August 1959 with a Stranraer Harbour - Glasgow St Enoch express. Dailly station closed in September 1965. [Ref query 9492]

Maybole and Girvan Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Polmont Shed: Scene at 64E Polmont on a sunny Saturday morning in August 1959 with J36 0-6-0s 65222 Somme and 65257 on shed.

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


Maybole: A summer Saturday Glasgow - Stranraer express photographed near Maybole on 15 August 1959 behind Jubilee 4-6-0 no 45732 Sanspareil.

Maybole and Girvan Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Bargany Signal Box: BR Standard class 5 4-6-0 no 73121 near Bargany, famous for its coal mines, to the south west of Dailly, with a St Enoch - Girvan train on 15 August 1959.

Maybole and Girvan Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1959


Dalrymple: BR Standard class 5 4-6-0 no no 73121 with a Stranraer - Glasgow express just south of Dalrymple station in the summer of 1959. [[Carcluie Pumping Station]] is on the right.

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


Polmont Shed: Reid ex-NB class J37 0-6-0s nos 64636 and 64537 stand in the yard at Polmont in August 1959.

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


Polmont Shed: J37 0-6-0 no 64537 standing in the shed yard at Polmont on 15 August 1959.

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


Darlington Locomotive Works: J27 no 65891 of 50C Selby shed stands in Darlington works yard in August 1959. Other locomotives in the yard at that time include Q6s, a V2 and a WD Austerity.

Stockton and Darlington Railway
Robin Barbour Collection (Courtesy Bruce McCartney) 1959


Polmont Shed: Amongst the various locomotives in the sidings adjacent to Polmont shed in the summer of 1959 were these 2 St Margarets veterans, C16 4-4-2T no 67492 and J72 0-6-0T no 69014.

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


Parkhill Viaduct: View west showing a DMU forming a down Buchan line train crossing the River Don on Parkhill Viaduct, north of Dyce, in the summer of 1960.

Formartine and Buchan Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1960


Newmachar: B1 61352 about to enter Newmachar on 15 August 1960 with empty stock destined for Ellon.

Formartine and Buchan Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1960


Udny: EE Type 1 no D8031 stands at Udny station on 15 August 1960 at the head of the Peterhead - Aberdeen goods. The locomotive had been delivered new to Kittybrewster shed at the beginning of the year.

Formartine and Buchan Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1960


Udny: NBL Type 2 D6150 photographed near Udny on 15 August 1960 with a fish and parcels train on its way from Fraserburgh to Aberdeen.

Formartine and Buchan Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1960


Newmachar: View north from the footbridge at Newmachar station on 15 August 1960 as B1 4-6-0 no 61352 waits at the platform with empty stock on its way to Ellon for storage on the stub of the Boddam branch. The train is about to cross an Aberdeen bound DMU. [Additional information from notes taken by JR - one of the group sitting on the left.] The DMU is on a once a day run to Aberdeen for light maintenance and re-fuelling. [With thanks to DS and BJ.]

Formartine and Buchan Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1960


Hawick [2nd]: Haymarket A1 Pacific no 60159 Bonnie Dundee waiting to restart from Hawick on 15 August 1960 with the 10.15am Edinburgh Waverley - London St Pancras.

Border Union Railway (North British Railway)
K A Gray 1960


Newmachar: A Fraserburgh bound goods at Newmachar on 15 August 1960 behind D6139. The short-lived NBL Type 2 had been delivered new to Kittybrewster shed 6 months earlier but would be withdrawn by the end of 1967.

Formartine and Buchan Railway
G H Robin collection by courtesy of the Mitchell Library, Glasgow 1960


Basingstoke: Maunsell U class 2-6-0 no 31615 on Basingdtoke shed in the summer of 1961.

London and South Western Railway
K A Gray 1961


Reading: 6930 Aldersey Hall photographed in the yard at Reading (ex-GW) shed in August 1961.

Great Western Railway
K A Gray 1961


Basingstoke: King Arthur class 4-6-0 no 30765 Sir Gareth on shed at 70D Basingstoke in August 1961. The locomotive was withdrawn from here in September the following year.

London and South Western Railway
K A Gray 1961


Salisbury: The shed yard at Salisbury in August 1961 with 'King Arthur' class 4-6-0 no 30451 Sir Lamorak nearest the camera.

London and South Western Railway
K A Gray 1961


Basingstoke: Part of the shed yard at Basingstoke on 15 August 1961, with Urie S15 4-6-0 30501 featuring in the lineup.

London and South Western Railway
K A Gray 1961


Winchester: Bulleid West Country Pacific no 34042 Dorchester pulls into the northbound platform at Winchester (then Winchester City) on 15 August 1961 with the 11.16am Bournemouth West - Newcastle Central. [Ref query 5321]

London and Southampton Railway
K A Gray 1961


Reading (ex-GWR): Churchward 2-8-0 no 2853 stands on Reading (ex-GWR) shed on 15 August 1961.

Great Western Railway
K A Gray 1961


Salisbury: S15 4-6-0 30838 in the shed yard at Salisbury on 15 August 1961.

London and South Western Railway
K A Gray 1961


Bushbury Shed: Stanier 2-6-0 no 42966 stabled on Bushbury shed in the summer of 1962.

Grand Junction Railway
K A Gray 1962


Banbury Shed: Ex-GWR Churchward 2-8-0 no 2888 on shed at Banbury in the summer of 1962.

Birmingham and Oxford Railway
K A Gray 1962


Banbury Shed: GWR Castle class 4-6-0 no 5026 Criccieth Castle races past Banbury shed in the summer of 1962 with a down express.

Birmingham and Oxford Railway
K A Gray 1962


Wolverhampton Low Level: Ex-GWR Castle class locomotive no 5047 Earl of Dartmouth with the 8.50am Birkenhead - Paddington train at a rain-soaked Wolverhampton Low Level station on 15 August 1962. The 4-6-0 was withdrawn from Wolverhampton's Stafford Road shed the following month. Wolverhampton Low Level itself closed to passengers in 1972 but saw subsequent use as a parcels depot see image [[19662]] and latterly as the BR Divisional Engineer's offices. The listed main station building still stands and is currently part of a planned mixed retail and residential development which would incorporate the former station site.

Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway
K A Gray 1962


Banbury Shed: Ex-GWR 2-6-2T no 4149 photographed in the shed yard at 84C Banbury on 15 August 1962. Withdrawal came approximately 6 months later.

Birmingham and Oxford Railway
K A Gray 1962


Wolverhampton Stafford Road: Collett 2-6-2T no 4165 in the yard at Wolverhampton's Stafford Road shed in August 1962, looking slightly intimidated by King class 4-6-0 no 6012 King Edward VI standing alongside. The tank engine survived for another 3 years, although the 'King' was withdrawn one month after the photograph was taken.

Great Western Railway
K A Gray 1962


Wellington: 41232 about to leave Wellington station on 15 August 1962 with the 12.15pm train to Crewe.

Shrewsbury and Birmingham Railway
K A Gray 1962


Banbury Shed: Collett 0-4-2T no 1455 in store alongside Banbury shed in the summer of 1962. The locomotive was eventually cut up at Swindon Works approximately 2 years later.

Birmingham and Oxford Railway
K A Gray 1962


Wolverhampton Stafford Road Works: King Henry VII stands in the yard of the former Stafford Road works in Wolverhampton, on 15 August 1962. The Pacific was withdrawn from nearby 84A Stafford Road shed in September of that year and cut up in a local scrapyard the following March.

Shrewsbury and Birmingham Railway
K A Gray 1962


Wolverhampton Stafford Road: Castle class 4-6-0 no 5047 Earl of Dartmouth photographed on Wolverhampton's Stafford Road shed (84A) in August 1962, one month before official withdrawal by BR. The shed itself closed completely in September the following year. An industrial estate now covers the site.

Great Western Railway
K A Gray 1962


Banbury Shed: GWR Hall class 4-6-0 no 5912 'Queen's Hall' at Banbury shed in the summer of 1962. The locomotive was withdrawn from here at the end of that year.

Birmingham and Oxford Railway
K A Gray 1962


Wolverhampton Low Level: GWR Castle class 4-6-0 no 5047 Earl of Dartmouth about to leave Wolverhampton Low Level station on 15 August 1962, having just brought in the 8.50am Birkenhead - Paddington train. 5047 was withdrawn from Wolverhampton's Stafford Road shed 6 weeks later.

Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway
K A Gray 1962


Banbury Shed: Scene in the shed yard at Banbury in the summer of 1962. The locomotive is Hall class 4-6-0 no 4933 'Himley Hall'.

Birmingham and Oxford Railway
K A Gray 1962


Princes Street Gardens Cutting: A pair of visitors from Tyneside in Princes Street Gardens. Class A1 locomotives 60116 Hal o the Wynd (52B Heaton) and 60142 Edward Fletcher (52A Gateshead) about to enter the east end of Haymarket tunnel on their way from Waverley station to Haymarket shed in August 1963.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
Colin Miller 1963


Fairlie Pier: 45366 ready to leave Fairlie pier for Glasgow. The ex GSWR starting signals just visible at the platform end now reside in Glasgow Museum of Transport. See image [[30248]]

Largs Branch (Glasgow and South Western Railway)
John Robin 1963


Fairlie Pier Junction: Having turned at Largs 45366 returns to its train at Fairlie pier junction.

Largs Branch (Glasgow and South Western Railway)
John Robin 1963


Glasgow St Enoch: 45479 at St Enoch with train to Largs.

City of Glasgow Union Railway
John Robin 1963


Greenock Princes Pier [2nd]: View from a passing steamer off Greenock in August 1967 showing the demise and cremation of the former terminus at Princes Pier.

Greenock and Ayrshire Railway
Colin Miller 1967


Filey Holiday Camp: Happy days at Filey Holiday Camp in the summer of 1970. Class 47 no 1543 is awaiting departure from platform 4 on Saturday 15 August with train 1N60, the 10.20 to Newcastle. Standing on the station concourse in the left background is one of the Butlins road-trains used to ferry passengers between the station and the camp itself via a private tunnel under the A165 road. See image [[26824]]

Bridlington Branch (York and North Midland Railway)
Bill Jamieson 1970


Filey Holiday Camp: Summer Saturday arrival at Filey Holiday Camp on 15 August 1970. Class 40 no 396 is about to enter the station at 11.18 with local train 2H62, following the short 23 minute journey down the Yorkshire coast from its starting point at Scarborough. The train will leave 42 minutes later forming the 12.00 to London Kings Cross.

Bridlington Branch (York and North Midland Railway)
Bill Jamieson 1970


Filey Holiday Camp: 5180 about to leave Filey Holiday Camp station on Saturday 15 August 1970 with train 1L40, the 11.00 am to Huddersfield.

Bridlington Branch (York and North Midland Railway)
Bill Jamieson 1970


Filey Holiday Camp: Class 47 no 1521 arriving at Filey Holiday Camp station with train 1L43, the 07.35 Sheffield - Scarborough, on Saturday 15th August 1970.

Bridlington Branch (York and North Midland Railway)
Bill Jamieson 1970


Filey Holiday Camp: One of the many Summer Saturday arrivals at Filey Holiday Camp in 1970. Train 1H31, the 08.35 from Wakefield Kirkgate is about to enter the station behind 5180 on 15 August, some 7 years before closure.

Bridlington Branch (York and North Midland Railway)
Bill Jamieson 1970


Harwich Town: In the 1970s, British Rail thought it would make sense to have 30 of its new Class 56 locomotives built by Electroputere in Romania. Shown here are the recently imported 56003 and 56004 at Harwich Town in August 1976. They had arrived from Zeebrugge via the Harwich train ferry (visible left). As can be seen from this photo, the external finish was appalling. Every body panel looked dented and rippled as if each had been beaten flat manually with hammers. Internally, the quality of construction was no better. BREL spent substantial time and money bringing these locos up to standard and built the remaining 105 class members itself.

Eastern Union Railway
Mark Dufton 1976


Harwich Parkeston Quay: Now named Harwich International, this is the view from the west end of Harwich Parkeston Quay station on Sunday 15th August 1976. Parkeston West box (closed 1985) is in sight, as are the extensive sidings, with a Class 37/37/31 combination shunting at the yard throat. The bridge carried car traffic to and from the ferry.

Parkeston Quay (Great Eastern Railway)
Mark Dufton 1976


Wrabness: A shabby DMU toils out of Wrabness station in the exceptional heat of 15th August 1976, a time when air conditioning was something that happened only in the USA and the idea of buying bottled water was laughable. The jammed destination blind at the front half read 'Excursion', but the train was only going as far as Manningtree. Being a Sunday, Wrabness box (which ended up on the Colne Valley Railway post closure) is switched out.

Eastern Union Railway
Mark Dufton 1976


Bradfield: Bradfield station closed in 1956, but the building survived into the 1980s. This westward photo towards Mistley was taken from the short length of remaining platform on 15th August 1976, a day when eggs could be fried on car roofs. The crossing keeper has stripped to the waist to suit the conditions. Such was the low usage of the crossing (which was normally kept closed against the road), few were around to object to his attire. [Ref query 10473]

Eastern Union Railway
Mark Dufton 1976


Dovercourt: The signal cabin name still carries the name Dovercourt Bay (the Bay had been dropped 4 years earlier) at Dovercourt station on 15th August 1976. The view is across the bay towards Parkeston Quay. The opposite down platform became redundant in 1968 when all passenger traffic between Parkeston Quay and Harwich Town was transferred to the up line. The down platform and signal cabin were removed in the 1980s during electrification.

Manningtree to Harwich Line (Eastern Union Railway)
Mark Dufton 1976


Manningtree: The north end of Manningtree station on 15th August 1976. The semaphores lasted until 1980 and the signal box until 1984. The lorry straddling the tracks is negotiating the level crossing, being too tall for the underpass.

Eastern Union Railway
Mark Dufton 1976


Carlisle: 87032 'Kenilworth' brings a Glasgow - Manchester train into Carlisle in the summer of 1977.

Caledonian Railway
John Furnevel 1977


St Keyne: A Class 120 Swindon unit P554 arrives at St Keyne Wishing Well Halt, heading towards Liskeard on the Looe branch. These were lovely units to ride on.

Liskeard and Looe Railway (Liskeard and Looe Union Canal)
Roger Geach 1978


Woodhead: EM1 no 76046 exits the western portal of Woodhead Tunnel with a freight on 15 August 1979. The train is about to pass the marker board for platform 4 at Woodhead station, which had closed to passengers in July 1964. Built in 1952 as 26046, the locomotive carried the name Archimedes until the late 60s and was withdrawn in November 1980.

Sheffield, Ashton-under-Lyne and Manchester Railway
Peter Todd 1979


Dinting: Class EM1s 76030+76021 about to run east through Dinting station on 15 August 1979 with a train of steel flats bound for Sheffield via the Woodhead route.

Sheffield, Ashton-under-Lyne and Manchester Railway
Peter Todd 1979


Woodhead: View from the staggered westbound platform at the closed Woodhead Station on 15 August 1979 as 76034+76031 emerge from Woodhead tunnel with a Trans - Pennine coal train.

Sheffield, Ashton-under-Lyne and Manchester Railway
Peter Todd 1979


Burton Salmon Junction: The former Burton Salmon Junction, North Yorkshire, in August 1980, meeting point of the lines from the Pontefract and Castleford directions. Approaching with a train on the latter is Peak 45060 Lytham St Annes, the locomotive that took the last scheduled passenger train over the Waverley Route 11 years earlier.

York and North Midland Railway
Peter Todd 1980


Burton Salmon Junction: 37113 brings a short freight through Burton Salmon Junction from the Castleford direction on 15 August 1980. The lines in the foreground turn south towards Sheffield.

York and North Midland Railway
Peter Todd 1980


Beningbrough: 40077 with a northbound ECML train passing Shipton, North Yorkshire, on 15 August 1980.

Great North of England Railway
Peter Todd 1980


Welham Green: 55013 'The Black Watch' passing Marshmoor near Welham Green with the 1803 Kings Cross York service in March 1981. The trackwork in the foreground was the siding that provided access to the Kellogs factory here.

London to Peterborough (Great Northern Railway)
Roger Geach 1981


St Erth: Scene at St Erth, first stop out of Penzance, in August 1992, with an InterCity 125 on a Paddington service alongside the St Ives branch train.

Cornwall Railway
Ian Dinmore 1982


Weymouth: A Class 33 stands in the sunshine at Weymouth in 1983 on a Waterloo train.

Yeovil to Weymouth (Wiltshire, Somerset and Weymouth Railway)
Ian Dinmore 1983


Weymouth: Weymouth station in August 1983, showing a class 33 with a 4TC set for Waterloo standing alongside a DMU with a service for Bristol at platform 4.

Yeovil to Weymouth (Wiltshire, Somerset and Weymouth Railway)
Ian Dinmore 1983


Weymouth: The old Weymouth station in 1983... with flowers.

Yeovil to Weymouth (Wiltshire, Somerset and Weymouth Railway)
Ian Dinmore 1983


Oban: 37 412 Loch Lomond and 37 422 are seen at Oban in the summer of 1987.

Callander and Oban Railway
John Gray 1987


Chalons Sur Marne: French electric passing Chalons Sur Marne France

SNCF
Gordon Steel 1988


Dingwall: Looking south at Dingwall on 15 August 1989. With the loss of the Ness viaduct earlier in the year all services on the Far North and Kyle lines were starting and terminating at Dingwall with only the ecs moves going to Muir of Ord for servicing.

Inverness and Ross-shire Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Brora: Looking south at Brora in August 1989 as a sprinter passes a northbound 37 hauled service.

Duke of Sutherland^s Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Dingwall: Inverness - Wick/Thurso service at Dingwall on 15 August 1989 looking north.

Inverness and Ross-shire Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Georgemas Junction: Southbound service from Wick stands at Georgemas Junction in August 1989 awaiting arrival of the the portion from Thurso.

Sutherland and Caithness Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Brora: Crew change at Brora in 1989 looking north.

Duke of Sutherland^s Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Aviemore: Looking south from the island platform at Aviemore on a quiet morning, 15 August 1989. At the bottom of the platform ramp the bases of the water columns could still be seen.

Inverness and Perth Junction Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Wick: Terminus at Wick on 15 August 1989 with the 1217 hrs service from Dingwall having just arrived.

Sutherland and Caithness Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Helmsdale: Looking south at Helmsdale on 15 August 1989.

Duke of Sutherland^s Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Dingwall: Service to the far north preparing to leave Dingwall on 15 August 1989.

Inverness and Ross-shire Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Georgemas Junction: Georgemas Junction in August 1989 with the Thurso portion arriving.

Sutherland and Caithness Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Inverness: Arriving at Inverness in August 1989.

Inverness and Nairn Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Wick: Wick station and yard in August 1989.

Sutherland and Caithness Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Inverness: The station pilot approaches the rear of a train that has just arrived at Inverness from the south in August 1989.

Inverness and Nairn Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Wick: The approach to Wick in August 1989.

Sutherland and Caithness Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Brora: Looking north from the footbridge at Brora as a southbound pair of Class 156 DMUs waits to pass a northbound service in August 1989. A crew change will take place here and the driver is walking towards the end of the northbound platform to await his train.

Duke of Sutherland^s Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Inverness: Scene at Inverness on a warm Summers evening on 15 August 1989 as class 47 locomotive 47578 The Royal Society of Edinburgh stands at the head of the London Sleeper.

Inverness and Nairn Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Inverness: Sleepers to the left of me, sleepers to the right, here I am stuck in the middle with an MU. Inverness station on the evening of 15 August 1989, with a Class 156 waiting to depart towards Elgin and the two sleeper trains waiting to head south on the HML.With apologies to Gerry Rafferty & Steve Egan.

Inverness and Nairn Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Dingwall: Arrival from the north pulls up at Dingwall on 15 August 1989, seen from the station footbridge.

Inverness and Ross-shire Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Dingwall: View south from Dingwall station on 15 August 1989.

Inverness and Ross-shire Railway
John McIntyre 1989


Powderhall Loop: Looking towards Powderhall and the 'destructor' from the west end of the former Leith Walk station on a Sunday morning in August 1999. Part of the abandoned Shrubhill tram depot stands on the right.

Easter Road Deviation (North British Railway)
John Furnevel 1999


Easter Road: Easter Road station looking south-east in the summer of 1999. The white board reads Easter Road Junction (the line to the right to Abbeyhill had closed in 1988).

Easter Road Deviation (North British Railway)
John Furnevel 1999


Cupar: Cupar looking north in 2002.

Edinburgh and Northern Railway
John Furnevel 2002


Cupar: Cupar looking south in 2002.

Edinburgh and Northern Railway
John Furnevel 2002


Rothesay Dock: The north quayside of Rothesay Dock in 2004 looking east to the former marshalling yard. Track remained embedded in the cobbles. See image [[79137]] for a happier occasion at this location over thirty years earlier.

Rothesay Dock Branch (North British Railway and Caledonian Railway)
Ewan Crawford 2004


Clyde Navigation Works [Renfrew]: The Clyde Navigation Works in Renfrew seen from the north bank (taken from the site of the Yoker Power Station). The shipyard was rail served by a siding which approached, via Braehead Transit, from the short lived Deanside station. The site has since been redeveloped as riverside flats. The lovely crane is now gone.

Glasgow and Renfrew District Railway
Ewan Crawford 2004


Elvanfoot: Cutting west of level crossing with the B7040.

Leadhills and Wanlockhead Light Railway
Ewan Crawford 2004


Elvanfoot: Looking at the mainline Caledonian Railway from the former branch line at Elvanfoot.

Leadhills and Wanlockhead Light Railway
Ewan Crawford 2004


Leadhills: The new narrow gauge railway station at Leadhills viewed from the west.

Leadhills and Wanlockhead Light Railway
Ewan Crawford 2004


Leadhills: Looking west from Leadhills station over the station signboard.

Leadhills and Wanlockhead Light Railway
Ewan Crawford 2004


Leadhills: Lowther Hill and three sheep viewed from the trackbed. Looking towards Leadhills above Hass.

Leadhills and Wanlockhead Light Railway
Ewan Crawford 2004


Elvanfoot: Train passing Elvanfoot heading south.

Caledonian Railway
Ewan Crawford 2004


Elvan Water Viaduct: Two arch viaduct at Toddle Moss viewed from the west.

Leadhills and Wanlockhead Light Railway
Ewan Crawford 2004


Polmadie Depot: Hunterston - Longannet supply line. Full and empty coal trains passing at Polmadie depot in August 2006. View is east towards Rutherglen.

Polloc and Govan Railway
John Furnevel 2006


Rutherglen Central Junction: Longannet empties heading back to Hunterston in August 2006 behind EWS 66145 passing Rutherglen Central Junction. The train is about to run under the pedestrian bridge linking Rutherglen station with Victoria Street.

Polloc and Govan Railway
John Furnevel 2006


Rutherglen: 318265 stands in the sunshine alongside Rutherglen platform 1 on 15 August 2006 preparing to depart with a service to Dalmuir.

Dalmarnock Branch (Caledonian Railway)
John Furnevel 2006


Rutherglen [3rd]: Glasgow Central - Kings Cross train approaching Rutherglen in August 2006 heading for its first stop at Motherwell.

Polloc and Govan Railway
John Furnevel 2006


Rutherglen: 'Some Day My Prince Will Come....' Victoria Street entrance to Rutherglen station, 15 August 2006.

Dalmarnock Branch (Caledonian Railway)
John Furnevel 2006


Rutherglen Central Junction: Shortly after a stop at Rutherglen station in August 2006 a Dalmuir - Lanark train heads towards Rutherglen Central Junction, passing the tail end of a train of westbound coal empties heading for Hunterston.

Polloc and Govan Railway
John Furnevel 2006


Rutherglen: SPT liveried 318265 at Rutherglen on 15 August 2006 with a recently arrived service from Lanark.

The Switchback (Caledonian Railway)
John Furnevel 2006


Rutherglen [3rd]: Coal empties westbound through Rutherglen on 15 August 2006 on their way back to Hunterston. (Taken through the cleanest window of the station's pedestrian bridge).

Polloc and Govan Railway
John Furnevel 2006


AVM Livingston: The narrow gauge Almond Valley line, Livingston, with a 1970 Barclay locomotive in the foreground.

Almond Valley Light Railway
Bill Roberton 2007


AVM Livingston: Scene on the Almond Valley Museum narrow gauge line at Livingston on 15 August.

Almond Valley Light Railway
Bill Roberton 2007


AVM Livingston: Barclay locomotive with a train on the Almond Valley narrow gauge line, Livingston.

Almond Valley Light Railway
Bill Roberton 2007


Stirling Forth Viaduct [SCR]: A DRS class 66 with a northbound freight consisting mainly of container flats heading north out of Stirling on 15 April 2008. The train has just crossed the Scottish Central Railways Forth Viaduct and is about to run past the grounds of Stirling County Rugby Club.

Scottish Central Railway
John Furnevel 2008


San Diego: AMTRAK F59PHI no 459 has just received the all clear to run south over Cedar Street crossing in San Diego, CA on 15 August 2009.  The train will shortly enter the Santa Fe Depot where it will form the northbound Pacific Surfliner service #577, the 1255 to Los Angeles.

Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
Andy Carr 2009


Scottish Industrial Railway Centre: A Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway chair at Dunaskin in August 2010.

Ayrshire and Galloway Railway
Colin Miller 2010


Long Marton: Long Marton station, just north of Appleby, survived until the Settle and Carlisle local stations closed in 1970 but was not one of those that later reopened. The Mildland Railway station building survives however as a very tastefully restored private residence, just outside the village.

Settle and Carlisle Line (Midland Railway)
Mark Bartlett 2010


Culgaith: The Closed S&C station at Culgaith sees a Sunday Dales Rail Service from Preston, formed by 156483, running north on its way to Carlisle. The old station building, and its up platform, can still be seen in this view from the level crossing towards the short tunnel and Langwathby.

Settle and Carlisle Line (Midland Railway)
Mark Bartlett 2010


Scottish Industrial Railway Centre: At the Scottish Industrial Railway Centre (ARPG) on 15 August 2010 lies this Giesl fitted boiler, belonging to the former NCB No 8 (AB 1296 of 1912 ex-Polkemmet Colliery). In the surrounding area are what appear to be associated items such as wheels, cab, etc.

Ayrshire and Galloway Railway
Colin Miller 2010


Barton and Broughton: Running south towards Barton and Broughton on the WCML on 15 August 2011, Britannia Pacific no 70013 Oliver Cromwell makes easy work of The Mersey Moorlander with its 12 coach load.

Lancaster and Preston Junction Railway
John McIntyre 2011


Craignure: A very Scottish view south from one of the level crossings just south of Craignure station looking to Torosay (not visible) and Duart Castle (left). Really all it needs is someone in plaid with a glass of whisky, some shortbread and pipes over their shoulder. All watched by a haggis which has fallen over due to its standing on a level surface. A train would have been nice too.

Isle of Mull Railway / Mull and West Highland Railway
Ewan Crawford 2011


Halfway: Smoke and Mirrors. Waiting at Halfway station for the up train to the summit of Snowdon in August 2011.

Snowdon Mountain Tramway and Hotels
Ian Dinmore 2011


Falkirk Grahamston: The 14.33 from Edinburgh Waverley arrives at Falkirk Grahamston on 15 August on its way to Dunblane.

Stirlingshire Midland Junction Railway
John Furnevel 2011


Farington Curve Junction: The Compass Tours 'Mersey Moorlander' charter sets off south from Preston on 15 August behind Britannia Pacific no 70013 Oliver Cromwell. The special is seen approaching Farington Curve Junction where it will swing west before crossing the WCML and heading east towards Blackburn.

North Union Railway
John McIntyre 2011


Brock: The Great Marquess was used for the The Fellsman service for a third consecutive week on 15th August. 61994 is seen here at the site of Brock station on the outward leg of the journey and is just passing over the only remaining foot crossing between Lancaster and Preston.

Lancaster and Preston Junction Railway
Mark Bartlett 2012


Slaggyford: The surviving station building at Slaggyford in August 2012, more than 35 years after closure by BR. An extension of the current narrow gauge line from Alston to here is currently being progressed by the South Tynedale Railway.

Alston Branch (Newcastle and Carlisle Railway)
Brian Smith 2012


Aylesbury: An unusual scene on the national network but a daily event at Aylesbury in the summer of 2014. Class 121 55020 waits to leave with the 17:30 to Princes Risborough. Stabled in the sidings is a Class 117 unit now used for water jetting and two more Class 121 units 55032 and 977873, neither of which are in passenger service.

Wycombe Railway
Malcolm Chattwood 2014


Aylesbury: The scene at Chiltern Railways' Aylesbury depot on 15 August 2014 shows a contrast in operational DMU styles, with a 24 year old Class 165 Turbo unit in the company of two 54 year old Class 121 'Bubble Car' units. All are available for service with either 55020 or 55034 used on weekday peak hour Aylesbury to Princes Risborough shuttles. The diesel shunter is 01509 Lesley (RH 468043).

Wycombe Railway
Malcolm Chattwood 2014


Preston: Running some 105 minutes early, 90028 and 90019 with 66114 behind in the consist of the Didcot to Mossend overnight freight on 15 August 2015. The train is being held in Preston station to allow a Freightliner service to pass.

North Union Railway
John McIntyre 2015


Swanage: Looking across the tracks from platform 2 at Swanage station on 15 August 2015.

London and South Western Railway
Ken Strachan 2015


Boar's Head Junction: Dodging the showers, 46233 Duchess of Sutherland catches a brief ray of sunshine as it heads north near to the site of Boars Head Junction on the WCML whilst working the Cumbrian Mountain Express from Crewe to Carlisle via Settle on 15 August 2015.

North Union Railway
John McIntyre 2015


Swanage: An interesting reproduction poster on the Swanage Railway's coastal terminus platform. For the reality of the job see image [[40383]].

London and South Western Railway
Ken Strachan 2015


Swanage: In a rare example of transport integration, Swanage station (despite being 'only' a preserved facility) has a taxi rank and bus stop adjacent to it. So it's rare to see an empty frontage while trains are still running. Enjoy the view. See image [[33089]]

London and South Western Railway
Ken Strachan 2015


Preston: 86101 in Caledonian Sleeper livery having been called into frontline service to work the Lowland Sleeper on 15 August 2015. The train is seen here standing at Preston at just after 3am and will leave shortly following a driver changeover.

North Union Railway
John McIntyre 2015


Herston Halt: We knew we had overtaken the train; so we stashed the car, and ran back to the bridge, cameras in hand. The 17.20 from Norden to Swanage, which we had missed at two stations, duly came into view; and suddenly it was 1963 again - though I can't remember it first time round!

Swanage Railway
Ken Strachan 2015


Boar's Head Junction: DRS 57301 hauling a Northern Belle service from Warrington to Edinburgh on 15 August 2015, seen here shortly after passing the site of Boars Head Junction.

North Union Railway
John McIntyre 2015


Irvine: Northbound Freightliner 66509 heading to the south (via Shields Junction) through Irvine working 6E06 Killoch to York Yard South on 15 August - an unusual working for Freightliner, who hadn't worked from Killoch for almost 2 years.

Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway
Ken Browne 2016


Barnton: Part of a 1:1250 map of showing Barnton station (which was to close in 1951) and, off-photo, not much else. The station was called Cramond Brig when if first opened; Barnton was then just a house. It's odd therefore that the previous station, in the village of Davidson's Mains, was initially called 'Barnton Gate'. Notice the Parliamentary constituency: odd to think that the voters in this north-western suburb of Edinburgh shared an MP with the burghers of Peebles! Contributor's collection. Crown copyright.

Barnton Branch (Caledonian Railway)
David Panton 2016


Port Dundas Mid Wharf: The ongoing Sighthill regeneration project is revealing views of Port Dundas basin not seen for many years. This view is north west over Port Dundas Basin where (to the left) the 'junction canal' connected the Forth and Clyde to the Monkland Canal. The extensive quays and basin were developed on what had been an 'S' bend on the canal. The backdrop has changed in recent years since the demolition of the distillery. The Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway passes underneath roughly here.

Forth and Clyde Canal
Martin MacGuire 2016


Port Dundas Mid Wharf Swing Bridge: A recently revealed view of Port Dundas basin and trackbed of rail sidings uncovered by the ongoing Sighthill regeneration project. The M8 Motorway is off to the left and the view looks west. This location is much changed from the days when the Caledonian Railway's Port Dundas Branch crossed the Monkland Canal here on its way to North Spiers Wharf.

Port Dundas Branch (Caledonian Railway)
Martin MacGuire 2016


Brundall: Class 37s approaching Brundall in August 2016 with a Lowestoft - Norwich train. The leading locomotive is DRS 37419.

Yarmouth and Norwich Railway (Norfolk Railway)
Ian Dinmore 2016


Philorth Bridge: The remains of a beautiful pink and grey granite bridge on the St Combs branch at Water of Philorth nature reserve looking towards Cairnbulg. See image [[54790]]

St Combs Light Railway (Great North of Scotland Railway)
Alan Cormack 2017


Carlisle: 46115 Scots Guardsman at Carlisle on 15th August 2017. This was the last run before the boiler ticket expiry and an overhaul at Carnforth.

Caledonian Railway
John Yellowlees 2017


Cruden Bay: The remains of a bridge abutment just to the west of Cruden Bay, at Nethermill. On the other side of the minor road there is no sign of ever being a railway.

Boddam Branch (Great North of Scotland Railway)
Alan Cormack 2017


Hellifield: The 9 year tour of duty almost over, ex LMS 4-6-0 no.46115 'Scots Guardsman' prepares to head back to Carnforth with support coach on 15 August 2017. The loco had been working 'The Dalesman' tour on the Hellifield to Carlisle leg and was just starting what is understood to be the last mainline duty before maintenance, inspection and recertification for the mainline.

North Western Railway
John McIntyre 2017


Haymarket: Concertina; a pair of 380s from North Berwick at Haymarket.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
John Yellowlees 2017


Plates, signs, notices etc: Pendolino taking a tilt at East Coast? Seen at Carlisle August 2017.

Virgin Trains
John Yellowlees 2017


Clitheroe: DBC 66167 sets off from a signal check on 15 August 2017 and crosses Low Moor LC in Clitheroe whilst working the Clitheroe Castle Cement to Bescot loaded cement tanks. The ultimate destination of the train is Avonmouth.

Blackburn, Clitheroe and North Western Junction Railway (Bolton, Blackburn, Clitheroe and West Yorkshire Railway)
John McIntyre 2017


Ellon: I spotted this old railway carriage a few years ago at the road junction of the A90 /A952 a couple of miles north of Ellon. It's on a metal chassis. I think the red wooden bench is a later addition. The property is up for sale so I don't think it will last much longer. The adjoining shed has been for wood working and the factory notices are dated 1922. It is past saving I think.

Formartine and Buchan Railway
Alan Cormack 2017


Ellon: I spotted this old railway carriage a few years ago at the road junction of the A90 /A952 a couple of miles north of Ellon. It's on a metal chassis. The property is up for sale so I don't think it will last much longer. The adjoining shed has been for wood working and the factory notices are dated 1922. It is past saving I think.

Formartine and Buchan Railway
Alan Cormack 2017


Philorth Bridge: The remains of a beautiful pink and grey granite bridge on the St Combs branch at Water of Philorth nature reserve looking towards Cairnbulg.

St Combs Light Railway (Great North of Scotland Railway)
Alan Cormack 2017


Monk Fryston: An unidentified Transpennine Express class 185 DMU, running on the Castleford line, approaches Hillam Gates level crossing near Monk Fryston during what appeared to be a day of diversions from the normal Garforth route into Leeds. A TPE 185 had earlier passed by a site I was attending east of Castleford Station, near the former junction for the Kippax line, also heading towards Leeds.

York and North Midland Railway
David Pesterfield 2017


Strichen: Half a mile to the east of Strichen the railway crosses a minor road. The bridge looks quite precarious but at least it survived unlike many on the route. This is now part of the Formartine and Buchan Way.

Formartine and Buchan Railway
Alan Cormack 2017


Water of Cruden Viaduct: A view from the west of the remains of the viaduct just east of the Cruden Bay station site.

Boddam Branch (Great North of Scotland Railway)
Alan Cormack 2017


Orchardbank Signal Box: 170417 heads towards the Tay Viaduct after leaving Platform 2 at Perth on 15th August 2018.

Scottish Central Railway
Colin McDonald 2018


Tay Viaduct [Perth]: A Class 170 DMU on an Aberdeen - Glasgow Service crosses the River Tay on the approach to Perth on 15th August 2018.

Dundee and Perth Railway
Colin McDonald 2018


Baillieston: View through the contractor's fencing on the evening of the opening of the new Muirhead Road overbridge at Baillieston. The blue netting shows where the temporary footbridge and its foundations have been removed.

Rutherglen and Coatbridge Railway
Colin McDonald 2018


Tay Viaduct [Perth]: View of the completed foundations for the new pedestrian access to the Tay Viaduct walkway on Moncreiffe Island. This will serve the golf course which currently has a set of somewhat rickety steps, just visible in the background, as its only access for members and visitors. 15th August 2018.

Dundee and Perth Railway
Colin McDonald 2018


Tay Viaduct [Perth]: A Class 170 DMU on a Glasgow - Aberdeen service crosses the River Tay shortly after leaving Perth on 15th August 2018.

Dundee and Perth Railway
Colin McDonald 2018


Wandel Mill Signal Box: A Virgin Pendolino passing Wandel Mill on the WCML between Abington and Lamington, looking south west on 15 August 2018. The bridge spans the Wandel Burn, which flows into the River Clyde on the other side of the embankment.

Caledonian Railway
John Furnevel 2018


Tay Viaduct [Perth]: View of the completed foundations for the new pedestrian access to the Tay Viaduct walkway on Moncreiffe Island. This will serve the golf course, whose only current access is a set of somewhat rickety steps, from which this photograph was taken in August 2018.

Dundee and Perth Railway
Colin McDonald 2018


Baillieston: The newly completed Muirhead Road overbridge at Baillieston on 15th August 2018, shortly after it was opened to traffic.

Rutherglen and Coatbridge Railway
Colin McDonald 2018


Stirling: View north from the lattice Platforms 6 to 9 footbridge at Stirling in August 2018, shortly before it was due to be removed for alterations for electrification work. There is, so far, a single dark blue/grey painted gantry erected on platform 9 in this photograph, located just in front of the bushes.

Scottish Central Railway
Colin McDonald 2018


Stirling: The temporary footbridge being erected at Stirling in August 2018. This will replace the listed lattice structure between platforms six and nine while alterations are made to make it compliant with requirements for the electrification of the station.

Scottish Central Railway
Colin McDonald 2018


Perth: The lattice footbridge from Platforms 1 to 2 at Perth in August 2018.

Scottish Central Railway
Colin McDonald 2018


Perth: Part of the Secret Garden at Perth station. This is located behind Platform 2 but accessed from outwith the station building. The view looks east towards Platform 2.

Scottish Central Railway
Colin McDonald 2018


Tay Viaduct [Perth]: The current pedestrian access to the Tay Viaduct walkway on Moncreiffe Island. This provides the island golf course with its only access for members and visitors. A new set of steps is under construction off to the left.

Dundee and Perth Railway
Colin McDonald 2018


Slingsby: Looking north from the B1257 Malton to Helmsley road to the former Slingsby Gatehouse, which is sited by a private access road around midway between the former Slingsby and Barton-le-Street Stations.

Pilmoor to Malton Line (York, Newcastle and Berwick Railway)
David Pesterfield 2018


Lancaster: A bridge strike to the south of Lancaster caused some disruption to WCML services on 15th August 2019 but engineers were quickly able to confirm this Luton van had not damaged the structure. See image [[61464]] for the bridge in normal circumstances. Photo by Mark Woodhead

Lancaster and Carlisle Railway
Mark Bartlett Collection 2019


Dunbar: New platform under construction at Dunbar.

North British Railway
John Yellowlees 2019


Elgin Centre Signal Box: The vehicles of the Royal Regiment of Scotland were loaded onto a train at Elgin Station - the GNSR one - on 15th August 2019.

Morayshire Railway
Crinan Dunbar 2019


Glenesk Viaduct: ScotRail 158736 appears off the sweeping curve south from Kings Gate on the Borders line with a morning service to Tweedbank on 15 August 2019. The train is about to cross Glenesk Viaduct, three quarters of a mile short of its next stop at Eskbank.

Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway
John Furnevel 2019


Edinburgh Waverley: When Gerald Manley Hopkins hymned 'dappled things' I don't think he had the 0943 to North Berwick in mind, but the effect is nonetheless pleasing. Photographed at Waverley on 15 August 2019.

North British Railway
David Panton 2019


Glenesk Junction: A Waverley - Tweedbank DMU about to run south past the site of Glenesk Colliery (on the left) in the summer of 2019. The train is approximately midway between the Shawfair and Eskbank stops, having recently crossed over Glenesk Viaduct, visible in the background.

Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway
John Furnevel 2019


Musselburgh: A CrossCountry Aberdeen to Penzance service speeds through Musselburgh on 15 August 2019. For some reason there are no handy 'fast train approaching' warnings for Up trains here so folk like me have just got to be prepared. How inconsiderate.

North British Railway
David Panton 2019


Wallyford: A sight to gladden the heart of any tweephobe (a word I seem to have just invented) - an abandoned barrel planter skulking under the stairs at Wallyford station on 15 August 2019. I suppose they were funny once.

North British Railway
David Panton 2019


Farington: 37884 from the Rail Operations Group hauls a single Class 314 south at Farington on 15 August 2019. This would be the penultimate journey for 314211 as it was moved from Yoker to Crewe with the final move to the scrapman at Newport the following day. It was interesting to see that the destination blinds at both ends of the unit were displaying 'Glasgow Central'.

North Union Railway
John McIntyre 2019


Oubeck Loops: Scotty's back! 46115, fresh from an overhaul at Carnforth, hauled a loaded test train around the Hellifield and Blackburn circuit on 15th August 2019. The 4-6-0 rolls through Oubeck at a leisurely pace on the way back to Carnforth.

Lancaster and Preston Junction Railway
Mark Bartlett 2019


Kirknewton: A Glasgow Central to Edinburgh stopper calls at Kirknewton on 15th August 2020. It had a full five minutes to lose. British Rail waited a respectful 50 years after the Northumberland Kirknewton closed before bestowing the name on Midcalder station, as it was hitherto miscalled. It is in Kirknewton and over two miles from Mid Calder (two words).

Caledonian Railway
David Panton 2020


Colinton Tunnel: The south western portal of Colinton Tunnel in August 2020. See image [[60441]] from just three years earlier - quite a contrast.

Balerno Branch (Caledonian Railway)
John Yellowlees 2020


Colinton Tunnel: The Colinton Tunnel, on the old Balerno branch, now boasts an extensive mural throughout its length.

Balerno Branch (Caledonian Railway)
John Yellowlees 2020


Haymarket: A Helensburgh to Waverley service approaches its penultimate stop on 15th August 2020. Other lines come close to a normal service in the latest pandemic timetable revision but the Airdrie Bathgate is not one of them. The alternating Milngavie services are largely missing and remaining trains are all-stations.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
David Panton 2020


Colinton Tunnel: Not just murals inside Colinton Tunnel but also outside too. This is the approach to the north portal in August 2020.

Balerno Branch (Caledonian Railway)
John Yellowlees 2020


Haymarket: On Saturday 15th August 2020 Haymarket station is rather quiet; there are many cancellations because of track and OHLE issues resulting from severe weather earlier in the week. This Cowdenbeath service is unaffected, though trains which would otherwise be going on round the Fife Circle are terminating there, and at Kirkcaldy on the other side.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
David Panton 2020


Colinton Tunnel: Artwork covers the entire 153 yards of Colinton Tunnel's brickwork, as seen here in August 2020.

Balerno Branch (Caledonian Railway)
John Yellowlees 2020


Haymarket: Haymarket's summary of departures on 15th August 2020 shows the legacy of severe weather earlier in the week. At time of writing EGML services are expected to be disrupted for 'a number of weeks'. 'One' is a number, so I suppose that is more optimistic than 'several'.

Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway
David Panton 2020


Standish: Having seen WCRC's 46115 last Saturday, this week it was the turn of LSL's 46100 'Royal Scot' to head to Carlisle with a charter to Carlisle. This tour started at Crewe and travelled north over Shap, returning via the Cumbrian Coast. With hardly a wisp of smoke or steam, 46100 is working hard on the northbound climb as it passes Standish on 15th August 2020.

North Union Railway
John McIntyre 2020


Bridge of Dun: Having completed the run round procedure, Barclay 0-4-0ST no. 1863, built at the Caledonia Works in Kilmarnock in 1926, is now at the head of the return Caledonian Steam Railway train about to depart from Bridge of Dun station for Brechin, on the afternoon of Sunday, 15th August 2021. The footbridge, originally at Dunblane station, makes a fine backdrop in this view.

Aberdeen Railway
David Bosher 2021


North Queensferry: 60163 'Tornado' comes off the Forth Bridge and into North Queensferry with the SRPS 'Forth Circle' excursion on 15th August 2021.

Forth Bridge Railway
Bill Roberton 2021


Ardrishaig: The last time 'PS Waverley' visited Ardrishaig was on 24th July 2001. Unsurprisingly, the visit on a charter organised by the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society on 15 August 2021 created quite a stir and the recently renovated Pier Square hosted a mini-gala which was appreciated by local people and passengers alike. Hopeflly it won't be another twenty years before she returns.

Piers on the Firth of Clyde
Malcolm Chattwood 2021


Culross [2nd]: 60163 'Tornado' passes Culross with the afternoon 'Forth Circle' on 15 August 2021.

Kincardine and Dunfermline Railway (North British Railway)
Bill Roberton 2021


Brechin: The fourth and final train of the day on the Caledonian Steam Railway has arrived back at Brechin and Class 26 D5314 has been attached to take the empty stock back to sidings at Bridge of Dun, in the late afternoon of Sunday, 15th August 2021. The next trains on this heritage line will be the following weekend, diesel-hauled on Saturday and steam-hauled on Sunday. After saying a fond farewell to the line, there was time for a look round this small Cathedral city and visit Brechin Cathedral (which unfortunately was shut) before making the long journey by bus back to Edinburgh, changing at Montrose and Dundee.

Aberdeen Railway
David Bosher 2021


Bridge of Dun: Barclay 0-4-0ST No.1863, built by the firm of Andrew Barclay at the Caledonia Works in Kilmarnock in 1926, arriving at Bridge of Dun with a Caledonian Steam Railway train from Brechin, on Sunday, 15th August 2021. This is my favourite photo that I took of this delightful heritage line and also my favourite of all the photos I took on my latest Scotland holiday.

Aberdeen Railway
David Bosher 2021


Bay Horse: ECS Dundee Carriage Sidings to Crewe for the Midland Pullman HST, passing Forton on Sunday 15th August 2021. The previous day it had worked a special from Perth to York, running out by the Settle and Carlisle and returning on the ECML and Tyne Valley routes.

Lancaster and Preston Junction Railway
Mark Bartlett 2021


Brechin: Interior of ticket office at Brechin station, Caledonian Steam Railway, on Sunday, 15th August 2021.

Aberdeen Railway
David Bosher 2021


Dalgety Bay: 60163 'Tornado' passes Dalgety Bay with the afternoon 'Forth Circle' on 15 August 2021.

Aberdour Line (North British Railway)
Bill Roberton 2021


Preston: Class 156s sat in the bay platforms at Preston. On the left in 3C is Northern 156441 which was about to head to Ormskirk while on the right in 4C is Northern 156401 (but still in unbranded EMT livery) which has just arrived from Colne.

North Union Railway
John McIntyre 2022


Preston: DBC 66128 passing Preston with the 4S38 Seaforth Docks to Mossend container service in August 2022.

North Union Railway
John McIntyre 2022


Ayr Harbour: Despite a miserable day the 'Waverley' was well loaded as she left Ayr Harbour on 15th August 2022. She was heading down to Girvan again and from there another fully booked trip around Ailsa Craig. Not as many photographers as last time but perhaps explained by the weather.

Lochs, and lakes, water
Colin Miller 2022


Ayr Harbour: PS Waverley certainly seems to be doing well loading-wise and she is running well in the 2022 season. Normally she cruises at about 14 knots (car ferry speed) but recently according to AIS she's running at 15k plus (her max is about 18.6). Here the ship is pursuing the Ayr Harbour pilot boat as she returns from a cruise to Girvan and Ailsa Craig on a wet and grey 15th August.

Lochs, and lakes, water
Colin Miller 2022


Cameron Bridge [1st]: Vegetation clearing at Cameron Bridge in August 2022 has revealed the goods yard track for the first time in many years. Lifting and demolition to follow?

Leven Railway
Bill Roberton 2022


Kirkland Yard: Looking west towards the former Kirkland Yard on 15th August 2022, with the cleared trackbed on the left. The Fife Heritage Railways depot is on the right with recently acquired class 107 DMCL SC52029 visible.

Kirkland Yard and Leven Dock to Methil Line Widening (North British Railway)
Bill Roberton 2022


Events


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

YearCompaniesDescription
1855Glasgow, Dumbarton and Helensburgh RailwayAct receives Royal assent.
1867North Blyth Branch (Blyth and Tyne Railway)Act for line. During the year some coals shipped from Cambois. This branch left from a south facing junction (West Sleekburn Junction) and ran east to Cambois and North Blyth.
1869Grangemouth Railway (Forth and Clyde Canal Company)Caledonian Railway begins to operate the line.
1904Barry Dock and RailwaysBarry Railway (Steam Vessels) Act allows company to start running steamers from Barry Pier.
1920Alloa RailwayAlloa Bridge (swing) closed due to storm damage.
1920Alloa RailwayA surrendered German warship broke its mooring and struck Alloa Bridge resulting in its closure between 1920 and 1921. Spans 10 and 11 were destroyed.
1920Irvine HarbourTransferred to the Irvine Harbour Company.
1921Great WarGovernment control of the railways ends.
1946Faslane Military PortLeased by the government to Metal Industries (Salvage) Ltd for twenty years as a shipbreaking site.
1966Caledonian RailwayEdinburgh Princes Street to Slateford Junction closed to goods.
1966Inverness and Perth Junction RailwayForres West Junction (excluded) to Forres South Junction (excluded) closed to all traffic.
1966Dingwall and Skye RailwayAttadale closed to goods.

News


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

YearCompaniesDescription
2001Rail Passengers Committee meeting in DunblaneScotRail

New trains for Glasgow^s north bank

New class 334s are due to be introduced to Glasgow^s north bank. 180 drivers are to be trained.

North Berwick service improvements

Three class 318s are to be released for service between Edinburgh and North Berwick, this will not over all services and two diesels will be retained.

Edinburgh ^Revenue Protection Scheme^

A six month ^revenue protection scheme^ will be introduced at Waverley and ^Greater Edinburgh^. This will involve collection of tickets at barriers and will be carried out independently from the usual train conductors.

Feeder Bus Services

ScotRail is planning to introduce feeder bus services within the next 6 to 9 months which will bring passengers from areas not served by trains to stations. Details have yet to be announced.

Scotland Timetable

The RPC commended ScotRail on it^s A5 sized Scotland-wide railway timetable which is available from larger stations or by request. ScotRail commented the timetable includes all passenger services in Scotland they do not receive any financial help from other Train Operating Companies operating in Scotland in producing the timetable.

Franchise renewal

In 3 to 4 years the ScotRail franchise will be due for renewal rather than extension. It is expected that the next franchise will run for 20 years, while franchises in England will run for 7.

2001Rail Passengers Committee meeting in DunblaneRailtrack

Post Hatfield Crash repairs

On the 15th there were three locations affected by Gauge Corner Cracking.
200 points and 75,000 yards of track have been renewed.

Junction remodeling

40 junctions which are known to be bottlenecks are to be remodeled.

Speed restrictions

As of the 15th 53 speed restrictions existed in Scotland.

New station facilities and station regeneration

81 stations have been identified for new toilets.
New Information Systems (CIS) will be installed at Hyndland, Partick and Queen Street Low Level.
Partick station is to be refurbished and platforms resurfaced.
Gourock station is due to be rebuilt and Railtrack is in discussion with developers.
Perth station is to be regenerated with footbridges and canopies renewed.
Broughty Ferry has been rebuilt at the cost of £1,000,000.

Train Protection Warning System

Installation of Train Protection Warning System on Scotland^s railways and trains continues and is expected to be complete by December 2002.

Edinburgh Crossrail

The contracts for the Edinburgh Crossrail scheme (reopening of freight only route from Portobello to Brunstane and Newcraighall to passengers) have been signed with the council and contractors.

Stirling to Alloa and Dunfermline

The details of reopening the closed but mostly extant line from Stirling to Alloa and on to Kincardine have not yet been resolved.

Larkhall to Milngavie

Although there have been some doubts about the reopening of the closed line between Larkhall and Hamilton, Railtrack and Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive are continuing discussions.

Aberdeen to Inverness improvements

Railtrack is considering its options for improving capacity of the Aberdeen to Inverness line.

A loop may be opened at Orton.

Forres loop may be altered to run by the Forres goods loop and a two platform station opened on the loop.

Signalboxes between Elgin and Nairn may be closed.

Proposals will be drawn up to ^level 4^ (complete design) and given to the Strategic Rail Authority by the end of the year. Actual changes will be delayed as work on signaling is being focused on installing Train Protection Warning System until December 2002.

Members of the RPC and public suggested that perhaps a section of double track at the beginning of the route in Aberdeen and Inverness would help - such as that which the Inverness and Perth has. It was also commented that the station at Keith can be a bottleneck as the loop is located to the east of the station - a train at the station has to occupy the Keith to Elgin section and consequently trains have to be held at Keith loop or Elgin loop when there is a train at the station.

Cornton Level Crossing

Cornton Level crossing, by Stirling, is fitted with cameras which photograph every road vehicle which passes through the lights at red. 250 vehicles were photographed between January and May this year, many belonging to local people. The crossing has been checked and complies to safety standards. The council and Railtrack are considering further traffic calming options including permanent closure of the road.

Ninewells

The council in Dundee is considering opening a station at Ninewells which would serve new developments in the area, the airport and Ninewells Hospital.

Tay Bridge repair

Repairs to the Tay Bridge are due to be complete in 2003 and will allow higher speed running on the bridge and freight to pass over it.

Edinburgh Park

Railtrack and New Edinburgh Ltd have resolved difficulties and a station at Edinburgh Park can now be built. It could be open by 2003.
2001Rail Passengers Committee meeting in DunblaneCaledonian MacBrayne

Service Improvements

Improvements to the Sound of Barra, Mallaig to Armadale and Wemyss Bay to Rothesay services are being considered.

New vessels

2 new vessels are planned for the Wemyss Bay to Rothesay service but cannot be afforded at present.

Dunoon Pier

The Pier at Dunoon is no longer safe for passenger ferries and cannot be used as a backup to Dunoon^s roll-on, roll-off facility.

North Link

North Link is a joint venture between Caledonian MacBrayne and the Bank of Scotland which will replace the P&O service to Orkney and Shetland. At present it does not report to the RPC. North Link operates independently from Caledonian MacBrayne. 3 vessels are under construction in Finland.

Future

Caledonian MacBrayne^s future is still unclear at present. It is not clear whether the services it currently operates will be subdivided for separate franchises and whether vessel operating and leasing companies will be formed.
2002Kinbrace timber loading platform openedA new platform for loading timber at Kinbrace has been opened. For one week each month five trains will be dispatched to Inverness for the Nexfor at Dalcross.
2006Fast-track to seabird centre just the ticket [Scotsman]A NEW railway ticket has been launched to help passengers heading to East Lothian^s Scottish Seabird Centre or the Museum of Flight.
2007Promise of better rail services will mean cost of some fares rising 45% [Scotsman]A STANDARD open return train ticket from Edinburgh to London could cost £339 by 2015, a passenger watchdog warned yesterday as the National Express Group (NEG) was awarded the franchise to run the east coast main line.
2008Inverness - Elgin rail replacement works [Network Rail Article]Sunday services between Inverness and Elgin will be affected by planned rail improvements in the Forres area over the next four weeks as Network Rail invests in a major track replacement scheme.
2008Lounging in Lime Street station [Network Rail Article]Rail passengers using Lime Street station will be able to lounge in comfort next year thanks to a £3.4 million investment in the station by Network Rail. Work starts this week (18 August) on two new passenger lounges, an information point, three shops and railway staff accommodation. The new facilities will be built on the old cab road between platforms seven and eight, which used to be used by Royal Mail vehicles and black cabs.
2010Network Rail appoints new head of retailNetwork Rail has appointed Gavin McKechnie to join its property division, as head of retail.
2011Bird’s eye viewers for wildlife at Montrose station [Rail.co]Bird’s eye viewers have been installed at Montrose station so that people can enjoy the wildlife at the Montrose Basin. The viewing points are on the station wall overlooking the tidal basin – a site of international importance for the likes of migratory pink-footed geese and red knot and also populated by a wide range of other bird species.
2011Town launches campaign to save ticket seller after he^s forced out for crossing train line [Daily Record]A POPULAR ticket seller at a busy station was sacked after more than 37 years service. Angry passengers have launched a campaign to get devastated station worker Willie Tyler reinstated. [From Richard Buckby]
2012Richard Branson attacks Government ^insanity^ after Virgin Trains loses West Coast rail contract [Telegraph]Sir Richard Branson has attacked the ^insanity^ of the Government after Virgin Trains lost control of the prestigious West Coast rail line that it has run for 15 years. The Department for Transport (DfT) handed the contract to FirstGroup after Virgin^s rival is thought to have made what industry insiders describe as a ^suicide^ offer of £6.5bn to £7bn to run the line. Virgin, its closest competitor for the franchise, bid £5.5bn to £6bn. In his blog, Sir Richard voiced fears that the amount FirstGroup paid will make the contract unprofitable, forcing the Government to take back ownership of the line. This is what happened with the East Coast Main line, when first GNER (in 2007) and then National Express (in 2009) were stripped of the contract after they could not afford to pay the Government £1.3bn for the right to run the service.
2013Waterloo International platforms set to reopen [Railnews]THE ALLIANCE of South West Trains and Network Rail has announced plans to bring all the former international platforms at Waterloo back into use. The SWT fleet is also to be enlarged to allow more ten-car trains to be run
2014£17m EU funds for refurbishment of Belfast-Dublin railway [BBC News]The European Union is to invest £17m in two cross-border railway projects. The work includes refurbishment of rolling stock for the Belfast-Dublin Enterprise service and the Boyne viaduct in Drogheda, County Louth. The projects are scheduled for completion in 2015. The Department for Regional Development (DRD) in Northern Ireland and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS) in the Republic are to match the EU funding [From Richard Buckby]
2015Rail line repair on track after derailment at Cumnock [BBC News]Engineers say they are ^confident^ the rail line through Ayrshire will reopen on Monday after work to remove derailed wagons was completed. Two trains carrying ballast for engineering work collided on the track at Logan, near Cumnock, two weeks ago. Network Rail said a 130-tonne locomotive engine and 16 wagons were moved from the site by Friday. Engineers are now working ^round-the-clock^ to repair the damaged track in time to reopen the line. Before lifting the engine and wagons, engineers had to first construct a 350m-long haul road, and operating pad, for the 1,000-tonne crane which was required to remove the wagons and the locomotive.
2016Campaigners hit out at ^shambles^ on the Borders Railway [STV News]Campaigners have hit out at the ^shambles^ on the Borders Railway as just 28% of trains arrived on time at the start of August. New ScotRail figures also revealed more than 70 trains were cancelled over the first ten days of the month. Blame was placed on various problems including track and train faults, a driver on sick leave and a fallen tree. ScotRail said the Borders Railway is subject to ^occasional technical faults^ in common with the rest of the network. The line, which was launched in September last year, has had more passengers than expected.
2016Landslide debris cleared from Highland railway line [BBC News]A landslide that closed a stretch of Highland railway line for most of the weekend has been cleared and repairs at the track completed. About 100 tonnes of mud and stones were washed across part of the Fort William and Mallaig line near Lochailort during heavy rain on Thursday. Travel on the nearby A830 road was also affected for a time by the same landslide. ScotRail said the work to the railway line was completed at 20:00 on Sunday. The normal timetable resumed on the line on Monday morning, when the A830 was also fully reopened to traffic.
2017Train derails outside London Waterloo station [BBC News]Passengers have been advised to avoid London Waterloo station all day after a train derailed outside the station. The train partly left the tracks as it was pulling away from at platform at low speed at 05:40 BST, Network Rail said. Three people were checked over by London Ambulance Service but nobody was taken to hospital. Ten platforms are already shut as part of engineering works to enlarge the station^s capacity
2017Meeting over Glasgow train violence concerns [BBC News]Train drivers are to meet with police, council staff and transport agencies to discuss concerns about anti-social behaviour on some Glasgow services. The multi-agency meeting was arranged after ASLEF union said more needed to be done to protect passengers and staff on services to Helensburgh and Balloch. The union said its members would refuse to work on the line unless something was done to protect staff. British Transport Police said it had stepped up patrols along the route.
2017Rail fares to rise by up to 3.6% [BBC News]Millions of rail users in the UK will see a 3.6% increase in regulated rail fares from January 2018. Train operators can raise fares by as much as the Retail Prices Index (RPI) figure for July. This figure is the highest since 2011, when it was 5%. Passenger groups said commuters would be worst-hit, and suggested that the RPI measure should be scrapped. The most widely watched and used measure, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), was unchanged at 2.6%.
2018Campaigners protest in Edinburgh against increase in rail fares [Scotsman]Protests will be held outside railway stations amid mounting anger over an expected 3.5 per cent increase in regulated train fares.
2018Plans for car park at Glenfinnan Viaduct Harry Potter hotspot [BBC News]Plans have been submitted for a new car park in Glenfinnan for tourists who visit to see a location from the Harry Potter films. Thousands of visitors arrive to see the Glenfinnan Viaduct and a steam train that operates on its railway line. Both feature in the movies. Glenfinnan Community Council said a lack of parking had also become a health and safety issue. It said vehicles were currently using verges along the A830 for parking.
2018Perth car dealership site sold to Network Rail in £950,000 deal [Courier]Arnold Clark has sold its former showroom in Perth city centre to Network Rail in a deal worth £950,000. The St Leonards Bank premises which lies adjacent to the main line railway station, will be used to create a new maintenance depot. Currently Network Rail^s staff are spread over several locations in Perth. [The site is former railway land to the east of the Dundee platforms on St Leonards Bank.]
2019Building a short stretch of track would give Edinburgh a third main rail hub [Evening News]The proposed Almond Chord rail line would link the moribund Edinburgh Gateway station with the main Edinburgh-Glasgow line beyond Winchburgh, writes John McLellan. For once frustrated travellers cant entirely blame ScotRail for the cancellation of scores of services after severe flooding at the Winchburgh tunnel kept the main Glasgow-Edinburgh line closed for several days. But although a months rain in 30 minutes was bound to cause some disruption, it could have been minimised had there been an alternative route. And just such an option was mooted a decade ago, the so-called Almond Chord, a short length of new track to link up the line running through the still-moribund Edinburgh Gateway station with the main Glasgow line beyond Winchburgh. Sadly, the Scottish Government in its wisdom axed the scheme in 2012 even though Network Rail had bought the land.
2019Aberdeen to Inverness railway line to fully reopen next week [Evening Express]The section of railway between Aberdeen and Inverness is set to reopen next week.