On this day, 2nd July 1925, a centenary event took place, 100 years since the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The event took place on 2nd July, although the original railway opened on 27th September 1825 to freight and 10th October to passengers. My original copy of the programme is reproduced below, giving… Read More Stockton & Darlington Railway Centenary
With the UK’s biggest railway trade exhibition, Rail Live! taking place again in a weeks time, here’s a quick look at a much earlier rail trade exhibition. In 1954, Willesden in North London was the site of a joint exhibition by British Rail, London Underground & various manufacturers for the International Railway Congress. Here’s some… Read More The 1954 International Railway Congress, Willesden
On 1st May 2021 the oldest working GWR loco returned to passenger carrying duties at Didcot Railway Centre. No. 1340 “Trojan” is an 0-4-0 saddle tank built by Avonside Locomotive Co of Bristol in 1897. It started life on the Newport Docks, which were transferred to the Great Western in 1923 as part of the… Read More The oldest GWR loco in service
A short clip of The Scarborough Spa Express leaving York on Thursday 24th September. A slightly unconventional angle from the footbridge north of the station as LMS Jubilee class 5699 Galatea (renumbered as 45562 ‘Alberta’) leave for Scarborough. The tour is operated by West Coast Railways as a regular trip. For a list of most… Read More Steam at York
On Saturday 1st August the Severn Valley Railway, one of the UK’s premier heritage railways, reopened, after over 4 months closed due to the coronavirus shutdown. Thanks for reading. Check out my other posts on travel, heritage railways and more.Please click like and subscribe for more random railways content. Follow me on Twitter and Youtube. If you would… Read More Severn Valley Railway Reopens
Another car boot find is this home cine film of the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Date unknown, but looking at the clothes and cars I think it is early 1970’s Thanks for reading. Check out my other posts on travel, heritage railways and more.Please click like and subscribe for more random railways content. Follow me… Read More Great Dorset Steam Fair
This 1963 silent film shows various steam and diesel locomotives climbing to Shap summit, on the West Coast Main Line. The tank engines running backwards are bankers, used to push trains up the 1 in 75 gradient, they then run back down the slope and wait for the next train that needs assistance.There’s a few… Read More Car boot sale film, Over Shap, 1963
The project to build the 81st ‘Grange’ class GWR 4-6-0 is moving along rapidly, with a hydraulic test expected on the boiler in the next few weeks. The Great Western Railway built 80 Granges, none survived the end of steam. The locos were reported to be popular with crews and reliable performers. In 1998 the… Read More Betton Grange, almost in steam
The SVR Autumn Gala features goods trains and all night running of passenger trains. Due to a few operational issues the goods ended up waiting, as just like in steam days, passengers had priority over general goods. This one ended up sitting in Bewdley station as the light faded. Thanks for reading. Please like and… Read More More Autumn Gala
Probably the biggest annual heritage railway gala in the UK, with up to tweleve locos in steam, overnight running, goods trains, art exhibitions and lots more. Thousands of rail enthusiasts from all over Britain attend, many trains are standing room only. Here’s a few images from Friday evening and Saturday morning, before the crowds gather.… Read More Severn Valley Autumn Gala
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