This day in history 18 October
Images
Portobello [3rd]: Freight workings at Portobello. N.B. 0.6.2T 69222.
Piershill: NB 4.4.0 62494 Glen Gour arriving at Piershill Station in October 1952 with an Outer Circle train.
Stirling: The 1.30pm Aberdeen - Glasgow Buchanan Street about to restart from the Stirling stop on 18 October 1965. The locomotive is A4 Pacific no 60024 Kingfisher.
Carlisle: Britannia Pacific no 70005 'John Milton' enters Carlisle from the north on 18 October 1965 at the head of the 9.20am Glasgow Central - London St Pancras.
Stirling: Britannia Pacific no 70001 Lord Hurcomb at Stirling on 18 October 1965 with the 9.25am Crewe - Perth.
Whifflet Upper: The Rail Society of Scotland Tour of 18 October 1969 has reached Whifflet Upper on the Caley line to Airdrie. The station platform spanned both the line from Motherwell to Coatbridge Central and Whifflet to Sunnyside line. DMU is SC51467. The R. B. Tennent & Sons Ltd works is in the background right.
Bedlay Junction: SC51467 has arrived at Bedlay signal box (closed 1967) on 18 October 1969 as part of a Rail Society of Scotland tour. The ash path across the lines was to allow road access to the M73 motorway then under construction. The lines here closed in 1969, replaced by a new curve east of the M73 giving access to Bedlay Colliery.
Alloa Bridge: 18 October 1969 and the Rail Society of Scotland tour headed by SC51467 is at Throsk, between Larbert and Alloa. Passengers detrained to view the unique Alloa Swing Bridge which spanned the Forth at this point. Sent from my iPad
Denny: A local resident watches with interest the unusual sight of a train at the closed station of Denny. The occasion was a tour by the Rail Society of Scotland on 18 October 1969 headed by Metro Cammell DMU No SC51467. The destination blind shows Glasgow Buchanan Street - earlier on it showed 'Montrose' for some strange reason!
Auldgirth: A class 40 hauled southbound train passing Auldgirth signal box in October 1970. Auldgirth station (closed 1952) stands in the left background alongside the bridge.
Kilmarnock: Platform scene at Kilmarnock looking north in October 1982 with a Glasgow Central - Leeds train approaching.
Shrewsbury: The man himself. Cam Camwell stands in front of his 80th birthday special train at Shrewsbury where the LNWR 0-6-2T Coal Tank 1054 (58926) had just backed on to take the three coaches to Stockport via Chester. A thoroughly enjoyable and memorable day out for all concerned and an excellent way to say thank you to a man who not only organised countless special trains but was also very generous over many years in supplying photographs from his vast collection to railway book authors. Photograph by Mark Bartlett
Gobowen: Photo stop at Gobowen for the passengers on the Cam Camwell 80th Birthday Special, a surprise trip for W. A. Camwell organised by friends and which ran Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury, behind Green Class 47 47484 Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Shrewsbury Chester Stockport behind the LNWR Coal Tank seen here and then back to Wolverhampton behind AC Electric 86103 Andre Chapelon. Photograph by Mark Bartlett
Shrewsbury: Lined green livery 47484 Isambard Kingdom Brunel runs past light engine after hauling the three coach Cam Camwell 80th Birthday Special train the short distance from Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury. The Class 47 had just handed over to the LNWR 0-6-2T Coal Tank, 1054 (58926), that was to take the train on to Stockport via Gobowen and Chester. Photo by Mark Bartlett.
Shrewsbury: LNWR Coal Tank 1054 (58926) at Shrewsbury on 18th October 1986, having just pulled in to take over the Cam Camwell 80th Birthday Special for a run via Gobowen and Chester to Stockport. Cam himself, suitably surprised by the motive power for his train, can be seen on the platform in front of the locomotive (along with another future Railscot contributor). See image [[25362]]
Chester: Another image of LNWR 0-6-2T Coal Tank 1054 (BR 58926) with a small team of orange vest servicing staff at Chester on 18th October 1986. Later it was recoupled to the three-coach 'Cam Camwell 80th Birthday' and continued to Stockport via Northwich. To this day it still amazes me that this veteran was allowed to take that passenger excursion unassisted on a long main line journey. Photo by Mark Bartlett.
Plates, signs, notices etc: Cover of the souvenir booklet produced for the participants on the Cam Camwell 80th Birthday special train hauled by LNWR 0-6-2T 58926/1054 on 18 October 1986. The picture shows Cam alongside another SLS special from 1955, this one hauled by GWR Dean Goods 0-6-0 2516.
Chester: LNWR 0-6-2T Coal Tank 1054 (BR 58926) seen at Chester station part way through the 1986 Cam Camwell 80th Birthday special. The steam loco had brought the three coach train here from Shrewsbury and uncoupled to go across to the lines shown for servicing and watering before taking the tour on to Stockport.
Tynemouth: The former excursion bays at Tynemouth in October 1987, seen on the approach from Newcastle.
Perth Princes Street: About to run through the closed station at Perth Princes Street in October 1989. View from an Aberdeen bound train with 47717 at the rear.
Powderhall Loop: An EWS class 66 locomotive arriving at Powderhall in October 2004 to pick up the early morning Binliner for Oxwellmains.
Jordanstown: View south at a leafy Jordanstown station in 2004.
Carrickfergus: A service for Larne approaches Carrickfergus.
Antrim: Londonderry service entering Antrim. In the background the (Bleach Green) line to Belfast passes under a roadbridge and to the right is the unused Crumlin route which passes very close to Belfast International Airport at Aldergrove.
Belfast Great Victoria Street: A touch of the exotic at Great Victoria Street.
Larne Harbour: Side of a class 80 at Larne. These DEMUs sound magnificent, somewhat like a class 37 locomotive, as they have an English Electric 560 h.p. diesel engine. Power is delivered to two traction motors. They are now considered old, dirty and noisy.
Larne Harbour: Just over the water from Stranraer. Class 80 recently arrived at Larne Harbour.
Larne Harbour: Larne Harbour looking towards the bufferstops.
Penmanshiel Tunnel: Taken on the 18th of October 2005, this view looks directly at where the southern portal of Penmanshiel Tunnel was from the former A1 overbridge.
Annan: Annan Signal Box looking north in October 2006 see image [[36748]].
Beamish Open Air Museum: The shed at Beamish on 18 October 2006. In steam on the left stands the replica of Puffing Billy being made ready for its next run.
Beamish Open Air Museum: Scene at Beamish on 18 October 2006 as ye crew of William Hedleys 1813 Puffing Billy replica prepares for the next tour of duty.
Rowley [Beamish Open Air Museum]: Old railway scene recreated at Beamish, as a lone NER van stands in the gas-lit yard alongside the old goods shed. The crane and signal box in the background help to complete the scene, which was photographed in October 2006.
Beamish Open Air Museum: Signs of a violent end...a salutory reminder of the power of steam. Beamish 18 October 2006.
Rowley [Beamish Open Air Museum]: Quiet day at Beamish, looking back towards the station on 18 October 2006.
Rowley [Beamish Open Air Museum]: Looking towards the station from the 'six foot' at the Beamish Open Air Museum in October 2006 with an interesting collection of railway vehicles in the siding on the right.
Edinburgh Waverley: New layout at Waverley from December 2006 (extract from Network Rail flyer). Note 5&6 are the short bays used for loco stabling, 8&9 are the current sub platforms 20&21, two tracks exist between 10&11.
Rowley [Beamish Open Air Museum]: A view along the platform at Beamish towards the waggon works in October 2006. Although there isn't a train at the station, the stationmaster is out on the platform in his bowler hat. Perhaps he was expecting one to arrive.
St Fillans: St Fillans station in use as a caravan site.
St Fillans: British Railways notice board at St Fillans Station.
St Fillans: The signal box at St Fillans. Pure Caledonian Railway.
St Fillans: Caledonian Railway signal box at St Fillans. The steps and entrance porch look like the originals. It appears to be in use as accommodation and has acquired a satellite receiver.
St Fillans: A rear view of the Caledonian Railway signal box at St Fillans. All photographs of St Fillans with kind permission of the owners.
Lochearnhead [2nd]: Lochearnhead Station. When the station was open passengers would have used these subway steps.
Lochearnhead [2nd]: Lochearnhead Station looking towards Balquhidder.
Lochearnhead [2nd]: Lochearnhead Station. A view along the platform towards St Fillans.
Lochearnhead Viaduct: A view of Lochearnhead Viaduct from the north.
Lochearnhead Viaduct: Lochearnhead Viaduct. A view along the trackbed towards St Fillans.
Gleneagles: Looking north from a spot popular with generations of photographers.
Johnstone: 60029 Clitheroe Castle passing through Johnstone with fuel tanks from Prestwick to Grangemouth
Johnstone: 66221 passing through Johnstone with Irvine to Bescot empty china clay tanks
Gleneagles: The former booking office and parcels office at Gleneagles.Both ends of the bridge have been sealed off and the building is a private house.
St Fillans: The former waiting rooms etc. on the up (eastbound) platform. Now used as a store.
Gleneagles: Inscription reads Built in 1919 the year of peace after the great war.
Ravenglass [R and E]: River Irt on the turntable at Ravenglass on 18 October 2008.
Ravenglass [R and E]: Steam and Diesel power stand side by side on 18 October at Ravenglass terminus on the R&ER.
Alston: View northwest over the crossing from Alston terminus towards Slaggyford on 18 October 2008.
Haverthwaite: One of a number of locomotives rescued from Muirs scrapyard in Thornton after several years is L&HR No 10 (Barclay 1245 of 1911, originally supplied to Craigend Colliery, Falkirk). The restored locomotive is seen in the shed at Haverthwaite on 18 October 2008.
Lakeside: Scene at Lakeside on 18 October 2008. Standing at the platform is L&HR locomotive No 1 David (ex-Millom Gasworks Barclay 0-4-0ST 2333 of 1953) about to take charge of a train for Haverthwaite.
Lakeside: Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway locomotive No 1 David at Lakeside on 18 October 2008.
Girvan: Northbound service from Stranraer at Girvan on 18 October.
Glenwhilly: A token of my appreciation. The driver of a southbound train and signalman swap hoops at Glenwhilly.
Summerlee Heritage Centre: Gibb & Hogg, Airdrie, 0-4-0ST no 16, built in 1898, the last surviving locomotive from this manufacturer, now safely inside the refurbished Summerlee Heritage Museum on 18 October 2008.
Stranraer: A sprinter passes some time whilst the lone passenger walks up and down the platform to stay warm.
Stranraer Town: Looking to Portpatrick from the eastbound platform at Stranraer Town in 2008.
Goathland: A southbound service enters Goathland station having worked hard on the climb from Grosmont during the North York Moors Railway's 'War Weekend' on 18 October 2009. Windows at the station have had tape applied and many of the people on the platform are wearing 1940s style clothing including military uniforms.
Pickering: A NAAFI has been set up on platform 2 at Pickering to provide sustenance to the many soldiers and civilians passing through the station during the Wartime Weekend event on 18 October 2009.
Goathland: Sir Nigel brings a southbound train into Goathland on 18 October 2009. The leading carriages are LNER teak stock which look the part, especially with an A4 on the front even when it is in post Nationalisation Blue.
Edinburgh Park: 158867 in Saltire livery stands at Edinburgh Park station on 18 October 2010.
Carlisle: A First TransPennine service from Manchester Airport forming the 15.47 to Glasgow Central arrives at Carlisle platform 3 on 18 October 2010.
RNSD Lathalmond: NCB pug no 29 arrives at Lathalmond on 18 October 2011 following its journey from Dunfermline's Pittencrieff Park.
Carlisle: DBS red liveried 92031 Institute of Logistics and Transport with the 4M63 Mossend - Hams Hall Intermodal service. Photographed at Carlisle station platform 3 on on 18 October during a crew change.
Carlisle: Looking suitably embarrassed, West Coast Railways class 47 no 47826 stands in Wapping sidings, Carlisle, on 18 October 2011. The locomotive had failed near here the previous Saturday.
Carlisle: DRS Fastline 66434 TnT with DRS 66428 stands in the middle road with the 3J11 RHTT train, a Kingmoor round trip, on 18 October 2011.
Carlisle: DRS 66429 undergoing a change of crew at Carlisle platform 3 on 18 October 2011. The train is the 4S44 Daventry - Coatbridge intermodal.
Sheringham: The 1030 train to Holt awaits its departure time at Sheringham on 19 October behind 0-6-0ST no 68030 (Ex-NCB Hunslet 3777/1952).
Carlisle: Northern 156448 stands in bay platform 2 at Carlisle on 18 October with a service for the Cumbrian Coast route.
Pittencrieff Park: Barclay pug (NCB No 29) in Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline, being lifted off its length of track on 18 October 2011 for transportation to the 'Shed 47' site at Lathalmond for refurbishment.
RNSD Lathalmond: Unloading NCB No 29 at on 18 October at Shed 47, Lathalmond.
Dereham: A DMU set stands at Dereham on the Mid-Norfolk Railway on 18 October 2011 see image [[36187]].
Dereham: Locomotive lineup in the sidings of the Mid Norfolk Railway at Dereham on 18 October.
Cardross: My traditional annual photograph of the 'Leaf Train' on its way back from Helensburgh. Pity about the weather!
Crathes: Two platforms, a lot of trees on the former trackbed in this view east at Crathes on 18 October 2012, some 46 years after closure.
Dee Street Halt: A view east along the former railway embankment in Banchory, with the car through the trees on Dee Street. This was the site of Dee Street Halt, a short wooden structure opened in February 1961 and closed along with the line just five years later. [Ref query 12 October 2017]
Aboyne: Looking east over the former station at Aboyne from near the tunnel on 18 October 2012. In the background are the houses that have been built over the trackbed and goods yard. The car in the middle of the photo would have been on the Aberdeen platform some 46 years ago.
Aboyne: The former station a Aboyne on 18 October 2012 viewed from the east end. Although the former Up platform building no longer has a canopy, the corbels that supported it are quite clearly seen. Much of the trackbed here has been built over making it difficult to see where it used to be but at the west end the approach to the tunnel is easily found. The tunnel itself is in use as a rifle range and beyond that towards Ballater much of the tarckbed is used as the Deeside Way cycle and footpath.
Milton of Crathes: A Class 03 shunter, a Class 14 and a crane at the RDR site of Milton of Crathes in a brief spell of sunshine on 18 October 2012.
Thetford: The approach to Thetford Sation, Norfolk, on the line from Ely to Norwich, on a damp October day in 2012. Two distinct station buildings: the original 1845 flint and stone structure on the left, long closed; the replacement brick building of 1889 on the right, open to a limited degree. Two trains per hour in each direction appear to use the station.
Thetford: The Goods Shed at Thetford in October 2012. In reasonable condition with its attractive barge - boarded canopy still in place on the left hand side. As the sign says, the building is currently for sale.
Crathes: A short walk east along the Deeside Way from the Royal Deeside Railway at Milton of Crathes and you will find slightly hidden by trees the station of Crathes complete with a recreated signalbox. The photo has been taken from the Ballater platform looking east with the station building slightly hidden by vegetation. Much of the trackbed from Milton of Crathes was on an embankment but has been dug out resulting in a slight diversion for the Deeside Way path.
Prestwick Town: Roof repairs in progress at Prestwick Town station on 18 October 2012, with the building on the down platform receiving attention to slating.
Wakefield Kirkgate: The scaffold encased east end frontage of Wakefield Kirkgate on 18 October during works which include a new ticket office, café, offices and other facilities. The canopy along the front of the original main entrance and ticket office has been stripped back to the base support framework.
Gretna Green: One of the four passengers at Gretna Green on 18 October awaiting the arrival of the 1323 service to Glasgow Central (which was very well loaded).
Portsmouth Harbour: View north east over Portsmouth Harbour station on 18 October 2013, seen from the Spinnaker Tower.
Hayling Island: Remains of the Causeway that carried the Hayling Island branch across the estuary. Very little left in 2013 and at high tide not much at all can be seen. See image [[27956]]
Wakefield Kirkgate: One of the class 20 powered RHTT sets at Wakefield Kirkgate following reversal near Westgate. 20304 is leading with 20312 on the rear, with the driver leaning out of his window putting on the power to run through the station heading towards Normanton.
Portsmouth Harbour: Looking over the terminus at Portsmouth Harbour on 18 October from the 2nd floor of the Spinnaker Tower.
Beningbrough: GBRf imported former Eurospec class 66 no 66747 heads north at Beningbrough on 18 October 2014 with a rake of empty Drax Power biomass wagons.
Pudding Mill Lane: Looking south from the ArcelorMittal Orbit in Stratford's Olympic Park on 18 October 2014. View is across the GE main line towards the elevated Pudding Mill Lane station on the Docklands Light Railway. In the area between the two rail routes work is currently underway on the Crossrail project.
Poplar: View east from Poplar DLR station on 18 October 2014. The track on the left leads over the flyover to Beckton and Woolwich; the track on the right to Stratford. The scissors crossing does not seem to be used by regular services. Meantime, the construction work continues in the background... see image [[23049]].
Stratford: Another view from the ArcelorMittal Orbit looking north east towards Stratford station on 18 October 2014. A GB Railfreight class 66 hauled container train is in the process of leaving the GE route at Stratford Central Junction and turning onto the North London Line. See image [[5152]]
Chippenham: A First Great Western service from Paddington calls at Chippenham on 18 October 2014 on its way to Bristol.
Chippenham: A Paddington bound HST calls at Chippenham on 18 October 2014.
Chippenham: A westbound HST departs from Chippenham on 18 October 2014. The train is the 1252 First Great Western London Paddington - Bristol Temple Meads.
Gillingham Dorset: South West trains 159012 leads 159003 into Gillingham (Dorset) station on 18 October 2014 with a Waterloo to Exeter service.
Gillingham Dorset: Looking west at Gillingham (Dorset) on 18 October 2014 as a pair of South West Trains Class 159 DMUs departs on a Waterloo to Exeter service.
Chippenham: A Paddington bound HST arrives at Chippenham on 18 October 2014.
Chippenham: First Great Western HST departs west from platform 1 at Chippenham in October 2014. Power car 43003, then named 'Isambard Kingdom Brunel', has since moved to Scotrail for Inter7City services.
Tweedbank: 60009 'Union of South Africa' newly arrived at Tweedbank with an excursion on 18th October 2015.
Hardengreen Viaduct: A service from Tweedbank crosses the A7 viaduct at Hardengreen and begins to slow for the Eskbank stop on 18 October 2015.
Cardiff Bay: 153353 stands at Cardiff Bay with the 12 minute interval shuttle to Queen Street on 18 October. Beyond is the former Taff Vale Railway's Cardiff Dock, later Bute Road station building.
Nitshill: The recently unveiled memorial plaque in memory of Sergeant John Meikle VC MM, 4th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs) Territorial Force (11th September 1898 - 20th July 1918).
Farington Curve Junction: After a short visit to the East Lancashire Railway, 60103 Flying Scotsman worked back to the NRM via a circuitous route on 18th October 2016. Seen here passing Farington Curve Junction the A3 ran via Castleton, Manchester, Golborne, Preston, Carnforth, Skipton and Leeds.
Hest Bank: A short rake of Caledonian Sleeper stock was used to take Paralympian athletes from Manchester to Euston on 18th October 2016. The ECS was then worked back to Polmadie and is seen passing Hest Bank behind GBRf electric 92010.
Knightswood South Junction: Going round the curve from Anniesland northbound. On the left are the terminal platform line and the new connecting line.
Briton Ferry: 70807 waits to enter Briton Ferry Yard with the Chirk Kronospan Colas Rail to Baglan Bay (Colas) empties as another unidentified Colas Class 70 shunts empties in the yard on 18th October 2017. A Swansea to Paddington HST passes on the main line.
Norbreck: Flexity 002 heads south along the Blackpool Tramway passing the Norbreck Castle Hotel as it approaches the Norbreck tram stop. 18th October 2017.
Port Talbot Parkway: Port Talbot Parkway station on 18th October 2017 with the upgrade nearing completion.
Bridgend: 70807 passing through Bridgend with the Chirk Kronospan Colas Rail to Baglan Bay (Colas) empties on 18th October 2017.
Baglan Bay Yard: Baglan Bay Yard with logs waiting to be loaded onto the empty timber wagons for the return Colas train to Chirk. 18th October 2017.
Porthmadog Harbour [WHR]: WHR loco number 138, an NGG16 Garrett, leaves Porthmadog for Boston Lodge with its empty coaches after bringing the afternoon train in from Caernarfon.
Porthmadog Harbour [FR]: WHR loco number 138, an NGG16 Garrett, on shunting duties at Porthmadog after bringing in the afternoon train from Caernarfon on 18th October 2017.
Blackpool North: Blackpool North, and the line to Preston, will close completely after the last train on 10th November 2017 and reopen in March 2018 after electrification work is completed. Ahead of that closure work continues at a number of locations including Blackpool North itself, seen here on 18th October 2017. Island platform 1 & 2 and associated tracks have now been completely removed with trains concentrated onto 3, 4, 5 & 6.
Port Talbot Parkway: DBS 66047, on the sandite train, pulls to a stop on the up goods loop at Port Talbot Parkway station on 18th October 2017. 66117 was on the rear of the train.
Port Talbot Parkway: A new road alignment and a new bus station are all part of the Port Talbot Parkway station area upgrade, seen here on 18th October 2017.
Porthmadog Harbour [WHR]: WHR loco number 138, an NGG16 Garrett, moves on to Britannia Bridge on Porthmadog's High Street in the last stage of its journey with the afternoon train from Caernarfon on 18th October 2017.
Elgin Centre Signal Box: Looking towards the refurbished station at Elgin with the line from the yard trailing in on the right on 18th October 2018.
Baker Street: The Met had very large uniform buttons - so heavy that they had to be bolted onto staff uniforms.
Elgin Centre Signal Box: Looking from Elgin along the loop towards Keith with the yard at Elgin East on the left. October 2018.
Baker Street: Straight is the path, and narrow is the corridor, which leadeth unto the Metropolitan line see image [[26896]]. Easy on the pies, lad.
Euston: Where can you find a Deltic and coaches in London? On the far side of the Euston Road from Euston station. see image [[36488]]
Tain: A panorama of the interior of Tain station which has been lovingly restored to become the restaurant 'Platform 1864'. Complete with train through the window.
Dunblane Junction: The new colour light signal showing a red, with the semaphore still in place behind it, at the north end of the down loop at Dunblane in October 2018. Not a common sight The position light signal only available to tree cutting trains for the stub of the former Callander branch!
Dunblane: New masts in place at Dunblane on 18th October 2018
Poulton-le-Fylde: 319367, working from Preston to Blackpool North, slows for the Poulton stop on 18th October 2018. Vegetation growth and this mast have reduced the photo opportunities from this location. See image [[63009]] for the same spot during the electrification closure.
Edinchip Viaduct [LSFCR]: Edinchip Viaduct, between Balquhidder and Lochearnhead, has eight spans with an eighty foot steel girder bridge at the widest point, which is over the river. The original girder bridge was removed for scrap on closure of the line. The concrete arches have a forty foot span with five on the south bank and two on the north bank of the Kendrum Burn. It is fifty six feet high. The girder section was replaced using funds raised by the parents of a cyclist tragically killed on the A9.
Poulton-le-Fylde: The 0646 Euston to Blackpool North is less than five minutes from destination as it passes through Poulton-le-Fylde on 18th October 2018. See image [[62495]] for the same view earlier in the year during the electrification closure.
Lasswade Viaduct: Looking north west over Lasswade Viaduct and the valley of the North Esk, Autumn 2018.
Poulton-le-Fylde: Electrification works, and the simplified plain track layout, are now complete at Poulton-le-Fylde station. Northern 319362 departs heading towards Kirkham with a Blackpool North to Manchester Airport service on 18th October 2018.
Dunblane: A pigeon has soon found the twin track cantilever boom, just north of Dunblane's Perth Road bridge, to be a convenient perch. 18th October 2018
Dunblane Junction: A great deal of the work on the Stirling/Alloa/Dunblane electrification project was undertaken during the hours of darkness. A gantry receives its fittings on 18th October 2018 near Dunblane signal box.
Elgin Centre Signal Box: A view of the yard entrance and old Elgin Centre signal box at Elgin East in October 2018. See image [[61281]] for the same scene just one year earlier.
Glasson Dock: 'MV Silver River' in the wet dock at Glasson Dock, loading general cargo for the Isle of Man on 18th October 2019. This vessel provides a regular cargo service between Glasson, Ramsey and Belfast but sailing times vary according to the tide on the River Lune.
Morningside Road: The former Morningside Road station building is now fully occupied once more. Access to the shops' bins via the railway gate. There is now a bus service, the X15, going to 'Waverley' from the nearest bus stop called Morningside Station (Monday to Friday only). Finally there is a bus which gets one close to the main railway station 57 years after the trains stopped running...
Bandol: Whilst the main line between Marseille and Toulon still handles a good deal of freight the overgrown track approaching the buffer stops at Bandol suggests that the days of the local pick-up goods are long gone. On 18th October 2019 a train from Marseille, and bound for Hyeres, leaves Bandol.
Tewitfield Locks: The eight locks at Tewitfield were numbered in reverse in that Lock 1 is the most northerly at the top of the flight. They were last used in 1942 and now act as weirs to drop the water supply from Killington Lake down to the navigable section of the Lancaster Canal that starts at Tewitfield. Perhaps the most amazing thing about the Lancaster Canal is that the route surveyed meant that these were the only locks between Preston and Kendal. This is Lock 7 looking up towards Lock 6. This would be a peaceful spot were it not for the M6 Motorway alongside but the flight is still an interesting location to visit.
Tewitfield Locks: Looking down the hill at Tewitfield, Lock 4 (of 8), on the Lancaster Canal in October 2020. All the locks here have been <I>weired</I> since closure [[82537]].
Tewitfield Marina: Tewitfield has been the northern limit of navigation of the Lancaster Canal since around 1942. Immediately beyond the motorway bridge embankment are the derelict locks and the canal's water supply from Killington Lake arrives here through the culvert beyond the two boats.
Carnforth: 195101 is approaching Carnforth from the south, heading for Windermere with a train from Manchester Airport, on 18th October 2021. The signal just ahead controls access to the down loops
Newark Shipyard: An October 2022 aerial view from Newark Castle Park of Ferguson's Newark Shipyard from the east. The new 'Glen Sannox' is to the right at the fitting out quay and her sistership, the as yet unnamed second vessel, is on the slip. Newark Castle is to the bottom left and the former Gourock Ropeworks, now flats, are beyond the yard on the left by the railway. The shipyard was once railway served, a short branch leaving the Greenock railway to run to Port Glasgow's harbour (now filled in).
Castle Yard: The Clyde, a millpond on 18th October 2022. Regrettably this jetty, and a small portion of slip, is all that remains of James Lamont's Castle Yard (just east of Newark Castle). Beyond was the Fyfe Park shipbreaking yard and in the far distance you might just about be able to pick out the timber ponds.
Bowling Harbour: Bowling Harbour, seen from the west, showing the wreck of the MV Sulby River and other hulks on 18 October 2022. The western breakwater, planned in 1846, was completed in 1856 by the Clyde Navigation Trust, just after Frisky Wharf (out of shot to left) was opened alongside the Bowling station terminus of 1850. Entry to the Forth and Clyde Canal is at the far end of the harbour.
Dalgety Bay: LNER Azuma 800105 approaches Dalgety Bay, with the 0708 from Leeds to Aberdeen, on 18th October 2022.
Dalgety Bay: Colas 37219 about to pass through Dalgety Bay station with a route learner working on 18th October 2022.
Frisky Wharf: This rather battered and left to rot pier is Frisky Wharf. It was the pier alongside Bowling station (on the left) dating from when the station was a terminus. Difficult to believe now, but track ran out onto this pier. Scotts of Bowling's shipyard was off to the bottom left. In the harbour the MV Sulby River continues to moulder away next to the harbour wall. The wharf was in use as a steamer pier for many years.
James Watt Dock: TSMV Isle of Arran (the spare boat) and MV Hallaig in the James Watt Dock, at the corner nearest the Garvel Dry Dock, in October 2022.
Dalgety Bay: 170393 calls at Dalgety Bay, with the 10.38 from Edinburgh to Perth, on 18 October 2022.
Cartside Yard: Although often referred to as Scott's Dock this dry dock was built for Robert Steel's Cartside Yard. It was taken over by Scott & Co and later merged into their Cartsburn Yard. The site was rail served, a siding left the branch which ran from Cartsdyke to Victoria Harbour and East India Harbour. The dock is not in use.
Leven Shipbuilding Yard: This was the northern portion of the Leven shipyard of William Denny. A new walkway runs by the new flats on the west side of the old fitting out basin, on the MacMillan's yard / Ballantynes side of the basin. The large concrete pier shown here dates from after closure of Dennys, in the John Brown Land Boilers / Forster Wheeler period when large boilers for power stations were built here. The Denny Tank Museum can just about be seen in the top right of the view. The shipyard was served by branches from the NBR (actually in Dumbarton and Balloch Joint ownership) and the CR (Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway).
James Watt Dock: An aerial view of the James Watt Dock, Greenock, showing its future assured with its new use as the James Watt Dock Marina. The rail served quays were served by reversal, from sidings behind the camera, the Caledonian dropping down from Ladyburn Yard and the Glasgow and South Western from Cartsburn Junction to reach the dock. In the background several vessels await attention at the Garvel Dock, distant right. The magnificent Arrol crane once fitted vessels with engines, often from the nearby Kincaid works.
Glen Works: These two structures marked either side of the Glen Yard's slipway. The slip was rebuilt by Scott-Lithgow and equipped with the famous Arrol built Goliath crane as part of the plan for developing a Very Large Crude Carrier super yard. The crane was rail mounted and was able to run out on these structure to reach the seaward end of the slip. Most of the slip site is now built over with retail units and car parks. The crane was brought down in 1997.
Stalybridge: 185128 pauses at Stalybridge with a Hull to Manchester service in October 2022. The station was transformed during a recent three week closure during which it was fully electrified as part of the upgrade of the Standedge route.
Events
Events from the chronology which occured on this day. This generally lists events before 1995, the creation of the website.
News
These are old news items which which occured on this day. This generally lists events after 1995, the creation of the website.
| Year | Companies | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Few takers getting ready for ^tram to Galashiels^ [Scotsman] | ANALYSIS EVER since the dastardly Dr Beeching closed the railway lines of the Borders, we^ve all muttered about the stupidity of the decision and the barbarity of ripping up the tracks. |
| 2004 | FirstGroup faces its toughest test [Scotsman] | New ScotRail operator^s fingers are crossed as its fleet heads into inaugural rush hour. |
| 2004 | FirstGroup franchise steams ahead [BBC News] | Aberdeen-based FirstGroup Plc officially launches its seven-year franchise to run ScotRail services. |
| 2004 | New ScotRail franchise [Scottish Executive] | New contract includes improved services and tougher penalties. |
| 2006 | City station on track for major facelift [Scotsman] | A MAJOR refurbishment of Aberdeen railway station was announced yesterday by First ScotRail. |
| 2006 | ^Landmark^ ruling for Thameslink [BBC News] | A delayed £3.5bn congestion-beating rail service moves a step closer to becoming a reality. |
| 2010 | It^s Network Fail as Bathgate to Airdrie rail event hits buffers [Deadline PPA] | TRAIN delays and cancellations signalled a disastrous start to the opening of a new station by Transport Secretary Stewart Stevenson today. |
| 2011 | Can train technology re-invent the wheel? [BBC] | Rail transport has not fundamentally changed in the 200 years since the invention of metal rails but a new wave of transport ideas - from ones already in development to ^concept^ contraptions - could change the way we commute forever. |
| 2011 | ScotRail ‘salutes’ Giffnock station gardener [Rail.co] | A Giffnock man who has ‘adopted’ the local railway station was praised yesterday by ScotRail for his gardening prowess. Max Bentley, 69, has been caring for plants at the station for three years under the train operator’s Adopt a Station scheme which aims to put stations at the heart of communities. |
| 2012 | North Yorkshire Moors Railway death report urges safety review [BBC News] | The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has been urged to make safety improvements following the death of a volunteer guard trapped between two trains. Robert Lund, 65, from East Yorkshire, died at Grosmont Station on 21 May. |
| 2013 | Look out below! Europe^s steepest funicular railway [Mail] | These are the stomach-churning pictures of Europe^s steepest funicular which has a gradient of 106 per cent - but not a seatbelt in sight. The breathtaking images show two children clutching onto a single rail as the ground drops away beneath them in Bern, Switzerland. The Gelmerbahn funicular takes tourists a vertigo-inducing 6,000 feet above sea level to Lake Gelmer and while the journey might be slow it^s not for the faint-hearted. |
| 2014 | Next train to Iran: British firm launches ^new Orient Express^ [Telegraph] | A British company hoping to recapture some of the romance of the original Orient Express has launched a new service taking passengers on a fortnight^s journey that will carry them from Hungary to Iran. The first ^Jewels of Persia^ express left Budapest on Wednesday with the 70 passengers willing to pay a minimum of £9,385 for the 4,350 mile journey that will take them through Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey before entering Iran. |
| 2014 | Tribute bid for Livingston North station cat Keira [Evening News] | SHE was the beloved railway cat who warmed the hearts of hundreds of commuters on the platforms of Livingston North station. For years, fluffy Keira affectionately brushed the ankles of waiting passengers and could be seen sprawling out in comfy alcoves across the West Lothian halt. But following her untimely death this week, an outpouring of grief from her many fans has seen coffers of a feline welfare charity swell as cash rolls in to protect and rehome moggies less fortunate than the popular railway cat. And now there have been calls to erect a permanent memorial in honour of Keira, who was so renowned she had her own Facebook page boasting more than 1200 likes. [From John Yellowlees] |
| 2015 | Sweet flavour for East Midlands Trains relaunch [Rail News] | STAGECOACH franchise East Midlands Trains is celebrating the first weekday of its contract extension with chocolates for passengers and a visit from the transport secretary, after a direct award was announced by the Department for Transport last month. [From Richard Buckby] |
| 2016 | Rail freight firm DB Cargo plans to cut 900 jobs [BBC News] | A rail freight firm has said it plans to cut up to 900 jobs due to what it said were ^declining markets^. German-owned DB Cargo has its UK headquarters in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The company insisted no final decision had been made and was committed to supporting staff who may be at the risk of redundancy. The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union said the announcement was ^devastating news^. [From Mark Bartlett] |
| 2016 | Two hurt in Manchester Victoria Station roof collapse [BBC News] | Two people suffered minor head injuries when part of the roof collapsed at Manchester^s Victoria Station because of heavy rain. Several panels fell to the ground at about 16:30 BST above Platforms 1 and 2. Eye witnesses said ^gallons of water^ fell on people standing on a platform when the panels collapsed. The main concourse was later also sealed off over fears other parts of the roof could collapse. BBC North West Tonight reporter Peter Marshall said: ^Other panels are bowing under the weight of the water.^ Contractors for Northern Rail are repairing the roof and services are running normally. |
| 2017 | UK railway news round-up - Forres [Railway Gazette] | ScotRail services began calling at the relocated Forres station between Inverness and Elgin on October 17. The replacement station was built by BAM Nuttall; AFM Electrical Ltd acted as subcontractor to Kelly Rail for electrical works. |
| 2018 | New transparent roof first of several upgrades announced for Leeds station [RTM] | Network Rail and the East Coast Main Line Railway board have announced a new state-of-the-art roof will be installed at Leeds station as part of the next step of upgrades. A new transparent roof made of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) will be installed on the southern concourse at one of the UKs busiest railway stations. The organisations said the new roof would be ready in time for UCI Road World Championship next autumn, replacing the current dark and tired wooden roof with a light-weight design. |
| 2019 | Line closure was platform for successful investment [Network Rail] | Network Rail engineers have successfully delivered upgrade and refurbishment works as part of a wider £5million investment in the West Highland Line. |
| 2019 | Rail line closed after cow struck by train near Leuchars [BBC News] | Replacement buses are running between Dundee and Kirkcaldy after the collision leaves the train inoperable. |
| 2019 | ^Round-the-clock^ revamp of West Highland Line completed [BBC News] | Bridges and the drainage system on a stretch of the railway between Crianlarich and Fort William have been refurbished. |
| 2019 | MSP calls for new train station in fast-growing Kirkliston [Scotsman] | Liberal Democrat MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton has launched a campaign to introduce a new railway station at Kirkliston linking to Edinburgh. |
| 2019 | Service on Scotlands Railway improves by almost 30 per cent [ScotRail] | New figures released today, Friday, 18 October, show that the service customers receive on Scotlands Railway has improved by almost 30 per cent over the past year. The Service Quality Incentive Regime (SQUIRE) report released by Transport Scotland has shown that the service on ScotRail trains and at stations improved significantly between July and September compared with the same period the previous year. |
| 2019 | Stations of the future [Network Rail] | Network Rail and Arup have launched a report that explores and identifies the future role that stations will play in our towns and cities. |
