Clive Hanley - Photographs http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/ 458 rows en-gb 60 Pullmans on The Bluebell Railway http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1783313.html Early in October I visited The Bluebell Railway in Sussex. I was fortunate that on both the Saturday and Sunday the Pullman set of carriages was in use. The Saturday for a wedding charter while the Sunday was the more regular 'Golden Arrow' dining train. Friday 20 November 2009: Early in October I visited The Bluebell Railway in Sussex. I was fortunate that on both the Saturday and Sunday the Pullman set of carriages was in use. The Saturday for a wedding charter while the Sunday was the more regular 'Golden Arrow' dining train.

Pullman car Christine at Sheffield Park The makers plate underneath the door of Pullman car Fingall. It looks like i picked a particularly poor example with peeling paintwork. Sorry Bluebell. Pullman car Fingall Pullman car Christine at Sheffield Park Pullman car Fingall Pullman car Christine I was given a tour of the works during my stay and 'discovered an SNCF carriage tucked away in the sidings. No doubt Brian E. will provide me with all the gen... Unless somebody else can beat him to it. The makers plate beneath the door of the SNCF carriage. Pullman car Christine The menu for Sunday Lunch Interior of Pullman car Fingall Interior of Pullman car Fingall A view through the non-Pullman carriage Interior of Pullman car Fingall Interior of Pullman car Fingall An interior view of Pullman car Christine An interior view of Pullman car Christine The Pullman set at Sheffield Park 0-6-0 no 592 departs Sheffield Park with The Golden Arrow dining service Pullman car Lillian Pullman car Fingall

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]]> Fri Nov 20 2009 6024 Preservation Society members day on the SVR http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1781507.html As a member of the 6024 Preservation Society I was invited to take a meal on the excellent Severn Valley Railways dining train hauled by King Class 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I. My thanks go to the staff for an excellent meal and to Richard Abbey for organising the trip and for introducing Roger & Anne. Sunday 15 November 2009: As a member of the 6024 Preservation Society I was invited to take a meal on the excellent Severn Valley Railways dining train hauled by King Class 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I. My thanks go to the staff for an excellent meal and to Richard Abbey for organising the trip and for introducing Roger & Anne.

GWR Manor Class 4-6-0 no 7812 Erlestoke Manor stands at Kidderminster with the 10.45am for Bridgnorth On arrival at Kidderminster 6024 King Edward I was propelling the stock into the platform while the first service train of the day hauled by 7812 Erlestoke manor was preparing to depart. Erlestoke manor makes a spirited departure with the first train of the day. Organiser for today - Richard Abbey - chats with the driver. 6024 King Edward I at Kidderminster KE I Nameplate Down the platform at Kidderminster The table awaits. At Bridgnorth 6024 has backed off the train in order to move into the shed for servicing. King Edward I moves onto Bridgnorth shed The firing on the loco was shared between Ron and Kian. Well done lads. Coaling the King Get the low down... Alongside 6024 was GWR 0-6-0 Pannier tank no 5764 that hauled the SLS Centenary special the previous day. After servicing 6024 reversed off shed. 6024 on the bridge outside the station 6024 about to couple up to the coaching stock 5764 on Bridgnorth shed The Flying Pig - Ivatt 2-6-0 - sulks in the shed after its tender derailed a month or so back. I believe two new axles are required for the tender. Stanier 2-6-0 no 42968 lies alongside. Newly arrived on the SVR and in light steam was 0-6-0 no 6695. The safety valve bonnet has been removed presumably for the valves to be checked prior to hauling passenger trains. A general view of Bridgnorth shed. En route through Hampton Loade we pass the site of the derailment of 43106. The embankment undergrowth was being trimmed back in preparation for stabilising works to commence on the embankment prior to re-instating the points. Prior to our departure from Kidderminster a raffle was held with the prize of footplate rides. Roger was the lucky winner for the return stretch from Arley to Bewdley. Here he is on board and about to depart.... ...and a close-up... My apologies to the kitchen car staff who objected to me walking through their domain en route back to my seat. Whoops... 6024 crosses Victoria Bridge over the River Severn. 6024 approaches Bewdley and the signalman stands ready to collect the single line token. Back at Kidderminster. Richard Abbey chats with travellers. The Society headboard. Ron on the footplate of 6024 Finally a clean shot of the locomotive Richard chats with the driver. 6024 propells the ecs out of Kidderminster station back towards the carriage sheds.

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]]> Sun Nov 15 2009 Centenary Excursion of the Stephenson Locomotive Society http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1781048.html The Centenary Excursion of the Stephenson Locomotive Society ran today from the Warwick Road platform within Tyseley Locomotive Works. Motive power was provided by Tyseley's GWR 0-6-0 pannier tank loco no 9600 and Dennis Howells loco no 9466. Last minute changes to the itinerary were made due to E.on's security risk assessment that Eco Terrorists may have infiltrated the passengers. Yeright. As If... Get real E.On!!! So we had to be Class 47 hauled down the Ironbridge branch with the steam locos on the back as there would be no run around facility. An excellent day out with two outstanding locos supplemented by a trip on the SVR with 5764 & 4566. Well done yet again VT. Saturday 14 November 2009: The Centenary Excursion of the Stephenson Locomotive Society ran today from the Warwick Road platform within Tyseley Locomotive Works. Motive power was provided by Tyseley's GWR 0-6-0 pannier tank loco no 9600 and Dennis Howells loco no 9466. Last minute changes to the itinerary were made due to E.on's security risk assessment that Eco Terrorists may have infiltrated the passengers. Yeright. As If... Get real E.On!!! So we had to be Class 47 hauled down the Ironbridge branch with the steam locos on the back as there would be no run around facility. An excellent day out with two outstanding locos supplemented by a trip on the SVR with 5764 & 4566. Well done yet again VT.

Tyseley's Class 47 was the traction to haul the train initially to Birmingham new street and then onto Bescot where the two GWR 0-6-0's would be waiting D1755 stands ready at Warwick Road platform. Les Ross's loco 'Les Ross' stands to the right. On arrival at Birmingham New Street Dave Fisher strides towards the loco. Driver of the Class 47 was James Tipping. Cheers James. At Cosford our train has run into the loop and the two steam locos are moving away towards Madeley Junction. I've included several shots from this unusual manoevre. The Class 47 moving from one loop line to the other. 9600 & 9466 D1755 Rain was falling on the Ironbridge branch This is as close as we got to the powerstation. The climb was steep and the rails wet but I only noticed a couple of slips from the locos. I dont know if the Class 47 was banking. Can anybody provide an answer please? The view towards the main crowd at Ironbridge. As the train had not entered the power station water had to be laid on via a tanker near Madeley Junction. A man who's seen it, done it, and got the T shirt. Ray Churchill was driving 9600 On the approach to Wolverhampton crossing Jones Road and looking towards the A449. The main line towards Stafford can be seen on the viaduct in the distance. Entering Wolverhampton station We stop? Strange. It's not scheduled... A concerned look on several faces.... 'Got any Hose? Hose gets 'barrowed from the support coach. Water is needed. The station operator holds up his paddlebat. We're off... At Bescot a gaggle of hi-viz clad support staff chew the fat. A grab shot taken from the footbridge at Kidderminster Mainline 9600 & 9466 take the excursion ecs south to begin the manoevres to reach the linkline to the SVR 9600 & 9466 move south on mainline rails to reach the crossover points The train was then propelled back - wrong line - to Kidderminster station... 9600 & 9466 bring the stock onto the SVR The two mainline panniers propell the stock back towards the station They then propell the stock back into the station at Kidderminster SVR The crowds were jostling for position on the platform 9600 & 9466 with 5764 & 4566 The two loco pairs together 9600 & 9466 move away for servicing 9600 & 9466 move away to be serviced 5764 & 4566 move out from their siding 4566 & 5764 move forward in the loop siding to take their position at the head of the train. 9600 & 9466 take water 4566 & 5764 have now backed onto the excursion carriages Ron stands on the boiler of 9600 while the tanks are filled. Bridgnorth shed was strangley deserted except for the Stanier mogul 42968 & a diesel shunter 42968 & D3586 0-4-0 Saddletank loco no 813 awaits overhaul. A placard on the running plate was making a plea for donations. The evening atmosphere at Bridgnorth Drinks on the platform... Running through Snow Hill Station. A view across the night skyline of the City of Birmingham as we head south from Moor Street station

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]]> Sat Nov 14 2009 West Somerset Railway Autumn Steam Gala Day 2 http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1779679.html The 2nd day at The West Somerset Railway Steam gala. Friday 2 October 2009: The 2nd day at The West Somerset Railway Steam gala.

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]]> Fri Oct 2 2009 A footplate ride from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard on the WSR http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1779354.html A collection of photos taken on & from the footplate of 4953 Pitchford Hall over the 1st two days of the October Autumn Steam Gala on the West Somerset Railway. My thanks go to the loco owner for his kind invitation to ride up front. All photos taken with my little Panasonic Lumix TZ5. Checkout the mini-vid via the links on the RHS I shall re-date this collection in due course and slip it back to its rightful home in October. Thursday 1 October 2009: A collection of photos taken on & from the footplate of 4953 Pitchford Hall over the 1st two days of the October Autumn Steam Gala on the West Somerset Railway. My thanks go to the loco owner for his kind invitation to ride up front. All photos taken with my little Panasonic Lumix TZ5. Checkout the mini-vid via the links on the RHS I shall re-date this collection in due course and slip it back to its rightful home in October.

GWR Hall Class 4-6-0 no 4953 Pitchford Hall stands at Minehead awaiting the signals to depart Departure from Minehead Approaching the coast at Blue Anchor. Regulator has been shut off and we drift towards the station Final approach at Blue Anchor. Several Camping Coaches lie to the right of the track. Slowing right down as the train crosses the level crossing at Blue Anchor After departure from Blue Anchor the line moves inland. Arrival at the original terminus station of the line from Taunton - Watchet. There is only a single platform here with no runaround loop. Loco owner, John, takes over the controls. The crew pose for me on arrival at Williton Next day.... Departure from Williton On the approach towards Stogumber Approaching Crowcombe Heathfield Through the cab window... At Crowcombe Heathfield, which is the highest point of the line, we await GWR 2-8-0 no 3850 to arrive and then the single line token must be obtained before we proceed. The fireman takes a break. The single line token is hanging in the window. Arrival at Bishops Lydeard where Castle Class 4-6-0 no 5029 Nunney Castle awaits in the loop.

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]]> Thu Oct 1 2009 A trip to the Cheltenham Racecourse firework display via G&WSR http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1778347.html What an excellent idea! A steam hauled train from Toddington direct to Cheltenham Racecourse to watch one of the biggest & best displays in the country. I arrived slightly earlier and after taking a tour of the works at Toddington I took a trip in daylight to Cheltenham behind Class 47 no (D)1693. ex 47105. Saturday 7 November 2009: What an excellent idea! A steam hauled train from Toddington direct to Cheltenham Racecourse to watch one of the biggest & best displays in the country. I arrived slightly earlier and after taking a tour of the works at Toddington I took a trip in daylight to Cheltenham behind Class 47 no (D)1693. ex 47105.

David Shepherd's 9F arrives at Toddington Class 47 no 1693 (ex 47105) has coupled onto the stock to form the 16.15 to Cheltenham. Meanwhile 92203 had replenished its tender at the column and was about to do the Toddington two step to reach the pit area at the servicing point. 92203 now moves forwards onto the other mainline. After yet another reverse 92203 is now moving onto the servicing track and after the hand operated points are pulled over it can reach the servicing point. The driver looks back as the loco begins its manoevre 92203 is refuelled by JCB The stock stands in Toddington station On our departure I caught a shot of 92203 having moved forwards as it prepares for its next duty. Our train passes the Toddington box and the usual pleasantries are exchanged. At Winchcombe the new waiting room looks almost complete. Ready to depart Winchcombe behind the Class 47 1693 has arrived at Cheltenham racecourse and I've pushed the camera to ISO 6400 to try and freeze the action. 1693 during the run around at Cheltenham racecourse. 1693 slowly approaches the ecs at Cheltenham Racecourse. 1693 awaits the signal at Cheltenham To the eye this view was almost pitch black. However just look what the camera can pick up! Even picked up the crew member coupling up. 30second exposure. Hand-held! Under very yellow sodium lighting I've converted these images to B&W. The funfair was well underway at Cheltenham Racecourse OOOh!!! AAAAgh! Back at Cheltenham station 92203 awaits the signal to depart. Back at Cheltenham station 92203 awaits the signal to depart.

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]]> Sat Nov 7 2009 A quick tour of Toddington Locomotive Works on the G&WR http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1778117.html On an afternoon visit to the Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway I had a quick look around the works. There was a lot going on.... Saturday 7 November 2009: On an afternoon visit to the Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway I had a quick look around the works. There was a lot going on....

7903 Foremarke Hall The Electro -Diesel's paint job was being worked on Ex Turkish Railways - Stanier 8F no 48274. The tender for the 8F with Thomas hiding in the corner The lights are ON in the Peak diesel. Work was going on i the smokebox of 48274 By the look of the smokebox numberpate this is being turned out in LMS livery Tyseley's ex-Cadbury shunter has received a lick of paint. 7903 Foremarke Hall National Railway Museum's star loco 3440 City of Truro One of my personal favorite locomotives. 24091 - along time resident at Steamport Southport when I lived up north.

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]]> Sat Nov 7 2009 GWR Pannier tank loco no 9600 -Test Run http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1776831.html Tyseley have successfully returned their GWR 0-6-0 Pannier tank loco no. 9600 back to the mainline. A light engine test run was undertaken over the North Warwickshire line to Stratford upon Avon during the day. In the evening a passenger carrying excursion ran from Shirley to Stratford upon Avon. With a 5pm departure I was unable to reach Shirley at that time (some of us have jobs) so I travelled on board on the return leg only and caught a service train back to S-on-A. An excellent run with 9600 sounding like a well oiled sewing machine. Wednesday 4 November 2009: Tyseley have successfully returned their GWR 0-6-0 Pannier tank loco no. 9600 back to the mainline. A light engine test run was undertaken over the North Warwickshire line to Stratford upon Avon during the day. In the evening a passenger carrying excursion ran from Shirley to Stratford upon Avon. With a 5pm departure I was unable to reach Shirley at that time (some of us have jobs) so I travelled on board on the return leg only and caught a service train back to S-on-A. An excellent run with 9600 sounding like a well oiled sewing machine.

9600 trundles down Wilmcote Bank on the North Warwickshire line towards Stratford. I recognise Alastair Meanley (leaning out) and over on the right is Bob Meanley (CME at Tyseley) and Driver Andy Taylor but who's the other chap? Traction inspector perhaps? 9600 at Bishopton Bridge The loco only stayed 10 minutes for turn around at Stratford thn it came charging out again.... .... The connecting rods were a blur 9600 heads back up the bank towards Wilmcote 9600 stands at Stratford upon Avon 9600 stands at Stratford upon Avon 9600 stands at Stratford upon Avon 9600 stands at Stratford upon Avon 9600 stands at Stratford upon Avon Passing Henley in Arden at full speed 'By the Light of a Silvery Moon' Rushing through Henley

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]]> Wed Nov 4 2009 Autumn colours on The Severn Valley Railway http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1776154.html With additional services scheduled to accommodate the Tornado fans it was no contest about where to go today. In addition a locomotive I support was also to be seen at Kidderminster although it was not in steam - GWR King Class 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I. With my thanks yet again to Mike doing the driving especially the chase from Oldbury to the tunnel at Kidderminster in order to catch a 2nd shot of the fabulous A1 Saturday 31 October 2009: With additional services scheduled to accommodate the Tornado fans it was no contest about where to go today. In addition a locomotive I support was also to be seen at Kidderminster although it was not in steam - GWR King Class 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I. With my thanks yet again to Mike doing the driving especially the chase from Oldbury to the tunnel at Kidderminster in order to catch a 2nd shot of the fabulous A1

On our arrival at Bewdley we decided to make for the Stouport junction location. A wise decision as soon a whistle was heard and 60163 Tornado appeared chimney first heading light engine towards Kidderminster. The N2 tank loco had already passed by before we arrived. 60163 heads light engine towards Kidderminster For the first couple of passes we moved to Arley. N2 no 1744 (69523) climbs away from Victoria Bridge with the 10.30am from Kidderminster 1744 hauls the 10.30m from Kidderminster The N2 crossed with the southbound service from Bridgnorth hauled by Stanier 2-6-0 mogul no 42968 in Arley station. Here 42968 departs with a flourish as it gets into its stride. 42968 gingerly crosses Victoria Bridge over the River Severn 60163 Tornado crawls across Victoria Bridge with the 11am from kidderminster. Tornado climbs towards Arley station.... ...and we get a wave from the footplate crew.... cheers A stop off on the road that climbs away from arley station enabled this shot of 7812 Erlestoke Manor as it accelerates away from Victoria bridge. With the completion of the footbridge at Highley it opens up new vistas.. Highley footbridge... N2 no 1744 has arrived at Highley The N2 stands at the signals awaiting its time to depart Finally 1744 gets away from Highley 7812 Erlestoke Manor was operating a short shuttle service from Kidderminster to Highley as a result of the lack of a passing loop at Hampton Loade following the derailment of 43106 a couple of weeks earlier. Why the signalman is practicing his Morris Dancing at the trackside is a bit of a mystery. 7812 has coupled onto the stock and awaits the signal Work continues on Daniels Mill Tornado approaches Oldbury viaduct with the late running service to Kidderminster Tornado crosses Oldbury viaduct After a chase across 6 counties, through 4 police road blocks, several miles of off-road driving and a leap across a ravine we arrived at Kidderminster tunnel just in time. Mike almost had his trousers ripped off, no not by the young lady standing at the fence, but the two strands of barbed wire that he squeezed himself through. In our haste we failed to see that there was a gap in the fencing a few feet away. 60163 Tornado climbs towards Kidderminster tunnel 42968 has arrived at Bewdley station 42968 passes Bewdley South 'box on its way towards kidderminster 7812 Erlestoke Manor crosses the Bewdley by-pass on its way towards Kidderminster The Stanier mogul no 42968 slowly passes the safari park en route to Bewdley. The antics of the three elephants immediately to our left was highly entertaining in a crude way! 6024 King Edward I stands cold at Kidderminster 6024 KEI at Kidderminster

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]]> Sat Oct 31 2009 Tyseley depot Open day http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1772660.html Photos taken from "Behind the fence" today. I didn't see "Albert Hall" at all. Not happy! Sunday 25 October 2009: Photos taken from "Behind the fence" today. I didn't see "Albert Hall" at all. Not happy!

Some pleasant afternoon sunshine with 4953 Pitchford Hall & 5029 Nunney Castle GWR pannier tank no 9600 stands on the Tyseley turntable A view into the works shows Dennis Howells 0-6-0 pannier tank no 9466 has just had its rear driving wheels replaced after a precautionary inspection of the axleboxes. In the works was 7029 Clun Castle The little Pecket 0-4-0 provided a superb display of industrial steam. Here it is seen with the GWR shunters wagon and 'Toad' brake van. Nice one Bernard Pitchford Hall & Nunney Castle. Both locos had arrived back at Tyseley last Tuesday after spending their holidays on the West Somerset Railway. On the return journey Pitchford Hall was behind Nunney Castle and therefore received all the ash and muck thrown out from the lead loco. It took a lot longer to clean up as a result. 4936, 4953 & 5029 9600 5029 Nunney castle & 4953 Pitchford Hall 4965 Rood Ashton Hall was operating the shuttle service A general view around the turntable at Tyseley Les Ross kindly provided the commentry during the afternoon. The Pecket saddletank loco. The end of day cavalcade with the 3 x Hall Class locos was about to be set up. First onto the turntable was 4936 Kinlet Hall 4936 Kinlet Hall on the Tyseley turntable Next onto the turntable was 4953 Pitchford Hall 4953 Pitchford Hall reverses off the turntable at Tyseley After coupling up the trio of Hall's reversed through the works led by 4936 Kinlet Hall The Cavalcade with 4965, 4953 & 4936 The Cavalcade with 4965, 4953 & 4936 A study of 5029 Nunney Castle The cavalcade trio on its final run.

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]]> Sun Oct 25 2009 For one day only - Catch it while you can! http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1772152.html Tyseley's stud of Hall class locos celebrate their 80th Birthday at Tyseley's Open day on Sunday. I went along to help prepare Pitchford Hall and was delighted to see yet another Hall - 4983 Albert Hall... Appearing for 1 day only. Don't miss it. Saturday 24 October 2009: Tyseley's stud of Hall class locos celebrate their 80th Birthday at Tyseley's Open day on Sunday. I went along to help prepare Pitchford Hall and was delighted to see yet another Hall - 4983 Albert Hall... Appearing for 1 day only. Don't miss it.

The 0-4-0 Peckett saddletank loco was chucking out the smoke as it was raising steam and made it impossible to catch a clean shot of 4983 Albert Hall on the far track. Inside the works I found double-chimneyed Castle Class loco no 7029 Clun Castle had been parted from its tender. Newly overhauled GWR pannier tank loco no 9600 was looking forward to its starring role on the big railway in a weeks time. Dennis Howells' pannier tank loco was over the wheel-drop for the axle boxes to be looked at. He told me it was purely a precaution prior to its SLS mainline special in November in company with 9600. The huge driving wheels are from the LNWR Bloomer project to the right. The team work under 9466 An unusual view of 9466 4953 Pitchford Hall The nameplate of 4983 Albert Hall 4983 Albert Hall is turned on the Tyseley turntable 4936 Kinlet Hall & 4965 Rood Ashton Hall Chris Shroeder and 4936 Kinlet Hall 4936 Kinlet Hall The Peckett saddletank loco was coupling up to 9600 ... ... in order to bring it out of the works. 5029 Nunney Castle & 4953 Pitchford Hall Some sunshine at last! The Peckett and 9600 9600 has had it's fire lit. The two double-chimneyd Castles 7029 Clun Castle & 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe were inside the works. With some pleasant sunshine at last after a wet morning I wandered towards the turnatble but stopped in my tracks when i saw the Peckett with a wagon. A re-creation of indusrial steam. This shot was taken into the sun... ...I managed to get ahead of it as the train made its way through the yard. Finally in the weed infested tracks of the coaling bank the 0-4-0 Peckett looks right at home. The Peckett then turned its attention to dragging Nunney Castle... up the yard and across the points... ...it then dropped down to the turntable A portrait of 4965 Rood Ashton Hall 4953 Pitchford Hall drops down and through the works to take its place around the turntable. 4953 Pitchford Hall on the turntable with John evans and charles on the footplate 4936, 4953 & 5029 4936,4953, 5029 & Class 47 no 47773 A sign from above! Not so much of the rainbow was left when i took this shot of Rood Ashton Hall.

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]]> Sat Oct 24 2009 Fairburn 2-6-4 tank loco at the GCR. Matt Allen Photo Charter http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1771560.html Work in Progress.... Full dull all day! Thursday 22 October 2009: Work in Progress.... Full dull all day!

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]]> Thu Oct 22 2009 Loughborough Works News http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1771485.html This was a turn up for the books. It's been long overdue for a Stanier Black 5 to be operating at the GCR. However theres more to come... Watch this space Thursday 22 October 2009: This was a turn up for the books. It's been long overdue for a Stanier Black 5 to be operating at the GCR. However theres more to come... Watch this space

78019 63601 with 70013 to the rear The frames of 45305 have been jacked up Britannia Class loco no 70013 Oliver Cromwell is receiving attention and maintenance to its cylinders and valves. Craig Stinchcombe told me it was routine maintenace after many miles on the big railway 45305 63601 & 78019 Stanier Black 5 no 45231 The Sherwood Forester The frames of 34039 Boscastle Standard Class 5 no 73156 GWR Hall Class no 6990 Witherslack Hall Fairburn tank loco no 42085 The works plate on 45231 Stanier 8F no 48305 Finally - the boring part of the unique Stephenson Link Motion fitted Stanier Black 5 no 44767. The loco is due anyday now.

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]]> Thu Oct 22 2009 4936 Kinlet Hall on the Severn Valley Railway - Photo Charter http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1767223.html With thanks to Matt Fielding and Martin Creese for an excellent day's charter Work in Progress Wednesday 7 October 2009: With thanks to Matt Fielding and Martin Creese for an excellent day's charter Work in Progress

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]]> Wed Oct 7 2009 GCR - Heavy Metal Steam Gala http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1767221.html The GCR events just get better and better. This Gala was stunning for the sheer volume of trains that ran. almost all of them on time and the sun even came out occasionally. In the company of Mike Snow and Brian Burrows we really were struggling to decide which trains we could miss in order to move location. The sight of two freight trains passing on the mainline is an image that cannot be repeated on any other railway. Congratulations to all involved in this production Saturday 10 October 2009: The GCR events just get better and better. This Gala was stunning for the sheer volume of trains that ran. almost all of them on time and the sun even came out occasionally. In the company of Mike Snow and Brian Burrows we really were struggling to decide which trains we could miss in order to move location. The sight of two freight trains passing on the mainline is an image that cannot be repeated on any other railway. Congratulations to all involved in this production

42085 and 90733 are being prepared for their duties at Loughborough shed. 42085 & 90733. I never thought I'd ever see another WD in active operation since the last one in the 60's - pure nostalgia. Media girl (Catherine) and Media man from ISIS Media were on site again gathering more footage for TV. A portrait of Britannia Class 4-6-2 Pacific no 70013 Oliver Cromwell. 70013 Oliver Cromwell alongside David Shepherd's 9F 2-10-0 no 92203 Black Prince 70013 & 92203 70013 & 92203 63601 was raising steam inside Loughborough shed Craig Stinchcombe can be seen on top of the firebox of 78019 which had been failed resulting in 30777 Sir Lamiel acting as substitude on its diagram Standard 5 no 73156 in the works 78019 & 63601 The frames of 34039 Boscastle 0-6-0 'Jinty' 47406 will be steaming soon 73156 & 46521 Stanier Black 5 45305 awaits the return of its boiler from Tyseley. 92203 & 70013 - an arty shot The crew are using the grate rocker to clear out some of the clinker from the fire on 92203 Driver Cliff Perry is clearly looking forward to his shift driving 90733. Meanwhile the diesels stand silent. 70013, 92203, 90733, 4141 at Loughborough shed It's time to depart Loughborough but I snatched a quick shot over the bridge parapet of the double-header with 42085 & 30777 Sir Lamiel before mike headed off to Woodthorpe Owner of the Fairburn tank loco no 42085 is Stephen Maher and he can be seen on the footplate of his loco for the first double-header pass of the day in company with 30777 Sir Lamiel. Fresh from his victory in the Severn Valley lineside nobbly knees competion Paul Martin was spotted at Woodthorpe Bridge. WD 2-8-0 no 90733 departs Loughborough with the mixed freight. 42085 stands in the sidings at Quorn with the windcutter wagons Spectators are gathering for the TPO run through Quorn 70013 Oliver Cromwell roars through Quorn with the TPO set... ...and Driver Richard Todd checks back to ensure a clean pick-up from the mailbag arms That was bad timing Richard! I was standing near the pedestrian crossing at Quorn station in order to shoot in the only available gap and saw driver Richard Todd with his head out of the cab window. I got ready to snap and he disappeared into the cab.

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]]> Sat Oct 10 2009 Two days on The Bluebell Railway http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1767176.html Work in Progress Sunday 4 October 2009: Work in Progress

0-6-0 no 592 departs Sheffield park station and commences the climb of Freshfield Bank with the 'Golden Arrow' dining train.

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]]> Sun Oct 4 2009 West Somerset Railway Autumn Steam Gala Day 1 http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1767172.html Day 1 of the West Somerset Steam Railway Gala. Thursday 1 October 2009: Day 1 of the West Somerset Steam Railway Gala.

On arrival at Dunster I had a few minutes to wait before the arrival of Pitchford Hall. In the siding was Class 33 no D6566 7802 Bradley Manor departs from Dunster with a train to Bishops Lydeard. The wagon behind D6566 was the supplemetary water wagon that has been used on a couple of occasions by 6024 King Edward I. 4953 Pitchford Hall arrives at Dunster. It was in stunning condition. Well done to the team who cleaned the loco. 4953 Pitchford Hall stands at Platform 2 at Minehead station after arrival 4953 Pitchford Hall was to be turned on the adjacent turntable so I wanted to capture the move. First the loco has been uncoupled from the now ecs (empty coaching stock) and has moved forwards in order to gain access to the run round loop. 4953 has now drawn forwards very slowly onto the table until it reaches balance point 4953 Pitchford Hall stands on the Minehead turntable Put your back into it! Loco owner John Kennedy views the pushing manoevre from the footplate of 4953 Pitchford Hall With the loco turned it can now draw forwards off the table. 4953 Pitchford Hall has arrived at Bishops Lydeard to complete its duties for day 1 of the gala. I was priviliged to ride on the footplate from Minehead to Williton courtesy of the owner - Thankyou.

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]]> Thu Oct 1 2009 The Return of 4965 Rood Ashton Hall http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1766849.html It's already earning its keep on the mainline after successfully passing its mainline re-certification tests last Thursday. In the space of 10 days all 3 of the Tyseley based Hall class locos have been steamed. 4953 on the WSR, 4936 on the SVR and 4965 on the BIG railway. A credit to Tyseley. Sunday 11 October 2009: It's already earning its keep on the mainline after successfully passing its mainline re-certification tests last Thursday. In the space of 10 days all 3 of the Tyseley based Hall class locos have been steamed. 4953 on the WSR, 4936 on the SVR and 4965 on the BIG railway. A credit to Tyseley.

It was very kind of the staff at Stratford upon Avon station to construct this modern replica of Euston's Doric Arch but it was a bit OTT. Ray Churchill - Driver of 4965 for today. Fireman Alastair Meanley hovers in the background. A deserted Stratford Station - Hardly surprising considering the weather. Guides and their leaders make their way to take a look at the locomotive Departure time was approaching - time for me to make my exit 4965 Rood Ashton Hall has slowed for the speed restriction through the station and can be seen passing through Wilmcote with the first run of the GirlGuiding Centenary excursions. - In heavy rain!!! The afternoon run arrived in sunshine just as 4965 support team member Brian Dangerfield had predicted. Arrival of the afternoon run 4965 is seen propelling the carriages out of the station... ...to the obvious delight of the many guides on the platform - some of whom had never travelled by train before let alone a steam train. A snack for the crew During the run around a shaft of sunlight catches the loco in the Stratford headshunt. 4965 Rood Ashton Hall basks in the afternoon sunshine at Stratford with the GirlGuides centenary Excursion Ray Churchill makes his way back to the footplate. 4965 Rood Ashton Hall rounds the curve at Hatton North Junction 4965 Rood Ashton Hall rounds the curve at Hatton North Junction with the GirlGuides Centenary Excursion.

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]]> Sun Oct 11 2009 The NEW Welsh Highland Railway http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1766837.html A visit to this new railway was essential. But where was it? I drove through Beddgellert twice and saw no direction signs to the station (as described on the leaflet) so headed up to Rhyd Ddu. What a remarkeable achievement. Saturday 26 September 2009: A visit to this new railway was essential. But where was it? I drove through Beddgellert twice and saw no direction signs to the station (as described on the leaflet) so headed up to Rhyd Ddu. What a remarkeable achievement.

While waiting on the platform I was able to watch one of the trains climbing Mount Snowdon. Our train awaits the signal to depart from Rhyd Ddu Trains were running late today due to problems raising steam earlier in the day. The stationmaster(mistress?) from Beddgellert drove up to tell the waiting passengers at Rhyd Ddu about the delay. Excellent customer service. Well done. A shot of the footplate of the SAR Garrett

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]]> Sat Sep 26 2009 A visit to The Welsh Highland HERITAGE Railway http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1766805.html Read the name! This railway has operated for many rears from a base to the west of Porthmadoc along a modest length of the original trackbed of the Welsh Highland railway. However i'm quite sure it is causing confusion with visitors who are expecting a trip up to Caernarvon hauled by a Garrett loco. Thursday 24 September 2009: Read the name! This railway has operated for many rears from a base to the west of Porthmadoc along a modest length of the original trackbed of the Welsh Highland railway. However i'm quite sure it is causing confusion with visitors who are expecting a trip up to Caernarvon hauled by a Garrett loco.

The sign states Welsh Highland Railway but its not the one I wanted... Access to the platform was via the booking office and purchase of a ticket... - not today thanks.

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]]> Thu Sep 24 2009 St. Ives and its branch line http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1766685.html The best way to "arrive" in St Ives has to be by train. The glimpses of the picturesque town obtained as the train turns each headland increases the anticipation of an excellent holiday. So I parked at Carbis Bay on a dull overcast day and hopped on the next train to St Ives. Monday 28 September 2009: The best way to "arrive" in St Ives has to be by train. The glimpses of the picturesque town obtained as the train turns each headland increases the anticipation of an excellent holiday. So I parked at Carbis Bay on a dull overcast day and hopped on the next train to St Ives.

Two car unit 150219 arrives at Carbis Bbay Arrival at St Ives a couple of minutes later The branchline train departs around the headland as seen across the beautiful sands of Porthminster Beach. So what's so special about St Ives? You decide.... The bright 'star' to the right is actually the planet Jupiter that is the brightest light in the sky at the moment and well worth looking at with the aid of a telescope. 4 or 5 moons are easily visible in a line around the disc. Sunrise over the hotel as we pack to depart. West Somerset Railway - here we come...

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]]> Mon Sep 28 2009 Llanberis Lake Railway http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1765883.html After failing to obtain a ticket for the Snowdon Mountain Railway I wandered back to the Llanberis lake railway that I'd spotted near the car park. A train was readying itself for departure but as it was only 14.55 there was no hurry. I'd catch the next one - Wrong! This was the last train of the day. Overall I was not happy. Friday 25 September 2009: After failing to obtain a ticket for the Snowdon Mountain Railway I wandered back to the Llanberis lake railway that I'd spotted near the car park. A train was readying itself for departure but as it was only 14.55 there was no hurry. I'd catch the next one - Wrong! This was the last train of the day. Overall I was not happy.

Elidir departs from Llanberis station with the 14.55 - Last train of the day service to Penllyn and back to Gilfach Ddu

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]]> Fri Sep 25 2009 A visit to The Snowdon Mountain Railway http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1765879.html Having seen the cloud almost lifting off the top of Mount Snowdon a visit was made to Llanberis to take a trip up the mountain. Wrong!...... On arrival at the car park the attendant asked whether I had a ticket. 'Well no' I answered. He then told me that unless I'd bought them online the previous day or turned up and queued at 8am then I had no chance. So I had to be satisfied with a tour of the works courtesy of the Railway Health and Safety Officer Mike Roberts. Thanks Mike Friday 25 September 2009: Having seen the cloud almost lifting off the top of Mount Snowdon a visit was made to Llanberis to take a trip up the mountain. Wrong!...... On arrival at the car park the attendant asked whether I had a ticket. 'Well no' I answered. He then told me that unless I'd bought them online the previous day or turned up and queued at 8am then I had no chance. So I had to be satisfied with a tour of the works courtesy of the Railway Health and Safety Officer Mike Roberts. Thanks Mike

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]]> Fri Sep 25 2009 A trip on the Ffestiniog Railway http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1764685.html WIP Wednesday 23 September 2009: WIP

The WHR tracks swing around onto the main road adjacent to the Shell petrol station move across the bridge... ...and veer off to the right towards the Ffestioniog station at Porthmadog The Welsh Highland Railway tracks have been laid across the main road outside Cob Records store and the link has been made. However administrative obstacles appear to be causing the delays to the final completion of the new railway into Porthmadoc Station. On the right a new sign was designed to alert cyclists to the dangers of crossing rail tracks.... However after several cyclists had crashed the rails have been temporarily tarmacced up ... As a former racing cyclist myself it was always a problem in my younger days riding around the Birkenhead docks area with many roads crossed by rail lines. The only way to safely traverse them is at right angles. I will be uploading further images to show what the highways dept. are expecting cyclists to do once the service is up and running. A PW train can be seen in the distance across The Cob Picture the scene... Cyclists heading towards the town at a not unrealitic 20mph and they have to wade through the Welsh language road sign before understanding that they are expected to dismount and walk... I don't think so... This demands an urgent rethink. The ecs from Boston Lodge carriage shed arrives at the station hauled byone of the unique Double-Fairlie locos. After running around the loco moves forwards to collect another carriage set ... ...and propells them onto the set in the station After departure across The Cob our train turns past Boston Lodge Works At Minffordd the Ffestiniog crosses the mainline station. At Dduallt the track takes the famous deviation loop in order to gain hight. The original track bed was lost under a reservoir. This was the only solution The embankment of the original track line can be seen lower down. Arrival at Blaenau Ffestiniog station with a service train to Llandudno in the far platform The coal is trimmed while waiting for the arrival of the up train at Tan-Y-Bwlch The loco consists of a single boiler but ... ...with two fireboxes

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]]> Wed Sep 23 2009 Great Central Railway - Diesel Gala http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1754189.html With a Class 55 Deltic and a Class 50 amongst many other locos this was a Gala not to be missed. Awesome. WIP (Delay in processing caused by HOLIDAY!!!) Even I have them occasionally. Saturday 12 September 2009: With a Class 55 Deltic and a Class 50 amongst many other locos this was a Gala not to be missed. Awesome. WIP (Delay in processing caused by HOLIDAY!!!) Even I have them occasionally.

An impressive line up of locos at the Loughborough station throat with D5830, D6535 & D1705 Sparrowhawk. Loughborough station was being prepared for the crowds. The DMU lay out of use in the siding. D6535 propels the 4-CIG unit under Beeches Road bridge Class 50 no 50007 Sir Edward Elgar runs out towards Beeches Road bridge and is seen passing the 'Peak' D123. 50007 & D123 D5185 arrives at Quorn Diesel heaven at Quorn.... D5185 was held up in its move to the sidings at Quorn by a faulty set of points. Leverage was being applied by the loco crew. Just how far can you lean out before the door handle falls off? Deltic Class 55 No D9019 Royal Highland Fusilier departs Quorn with the 1pm From Loughborough Deltic Class 55 No D9019 Royal Highland Fusilier on the ECML? Robinson O4 no 63601 departs Quorn with the lunchtime dining train. Even during a diesel gala the dining passengers are treated to steam. The top 'n' tail Class 20/37 combination arrives at Quorn... ...with 37314 bringing up the rear. English Electric 'Deltic' diesel no 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier approaches Quorn with 'The Talisman' return non-stop service from Leicester to Loughborough. As it approached my location the driver opened up the engines and the sound made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.. Brilliant. Class 50 no. 50007 Sir Edward Elgar approaches Quorn with the 2.25 from Loughborough

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]]> Sat Sep 12 2009 Tyseley has gained a Cockerill 0-4-0 VBT (Vertical Boilered Tank) engine http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1753063.html One of the staff at Tyseley has recently taken possession of this 0-4-0VBT that was manufactured in Belgium in the late 19th century. I will be recording progress on the restoration during my visits to the works. The owner will be forwarding further details to me about this small industrial shunter in due course. Saturday 5 September 2009: One of the staff at Tyseley has recently taken possession of this 0-4-0VBT that was manufactured in Belgium in the late 19th century. I will be recording progress on the restoration during my visits to the works. The owner will be forwarding further details to me about this small industrial shunter in due course.

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]]> Sat Sep 5 2009 Progress on the overhaul of 4965 Rood Ashton Hall http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1752664.html While at Tyseley I chatted to Alastair Meanley about the stage he had reached with the overhaul of 4965. In fact he was filling the boiler up in readiness for the hydraulic boiler test this week. Saturday 5 September 2009: While at Tyseley I chatted to Alastair Meanley about the stage he had reached with the overhaul of 4965. In fact he was filling the boiler up in readiness for the hydraulic boiler test this week.

The bottom end of 4965 Rood Ashton Hall The boiler of 4965 was being filled with water for its hydraulic test this week. Refurbishment mainly consisted of the Foundation Ring. I always wondered what a foundation ring was! Its the base of the firebox identified by the two rows of new rivets. 9 boiler tubes had been removed for examination and showed little sign of wear. They were replaced of course but no others needed to be removed.

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]]> Sat Sep 5 2009 English Electric Class 40 - 40118 (D318) http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1752200.html While I was at Tyseley Locomotive Works recently I was fortunate to witness the Class 40 D318 being dragged backwards and forwards onto the turntable in order to give the bearings some additional lubrication. In later discussion with one of the project directors for the team i learned that 6 of the 16 cylinders had been refurbished.... Still a long way to go it would seem. Any additional info gratefully received. Update:. I've received news that this loco was used in the 1967 film 'Robbery' starring Stanley Baker that was based on the Great train Robbery. Thanks to AT for this item. Saturday 5 September 2009: While I was at Tyseley Locomotive Works recently I was fortunate to witness the Class 40 D318 being dragged backwards and forwards onto the turntable in order to give the bearings some additional lubrication. In later discussion with one of the project directors for the team i learned that 6 of the 16 cylinders had been refurbished.... Still a long way to go it would seem. Any additional info gratefully received. Update:. I've received news that this loco was used in the 1967 film 'Robbery' starring Stanley Baker that was based on the Great train Robbery. Thanks to AT for this item.

40118 (D318) at Tyseley 40118 (D318) at Tyseley 40118 (D318) at Tyseley Once the pit was clear of the loco one of its inhabitants was rescued and set free 40118 (D318) at Tyseley 40118 (D318) at Tyseley 40118 (D318) at Tyseley 40118 (D318) at Tyseley

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]]> Sat Sep 5 2009 Pitchford Hall with The Shakespeare Express http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1751637.html I travelled Pullman style on board The Shakespeare Express today having spent all day yesterday assisting in the preparation of 4953 Pitchford Hall. The performance from the locomotive was absolutely superb. It sounded fantastic with unbelievable acceleration away from Stratford as confirmed by Loco performance guru Mike Notley. A stunning performance from the Ray Poole/Alastair Meanley combination. Thankyou to all. Most photos today were taken using my Panasonic TZ5. Sunday 6 September 2009: I travelled Pullman style on board The Shakespeare Express today having spent all day yesterday assisting in the preparation of 4953 Pitchford Hall. The performance from the locomotive was absolutely superb. It sounded fantastic with unbelievable acceleration away from Stratford as confirmed by Loco performance guru Mike Notley. A stunning performance from the Ray Poole/Alastair Meanley combination. Thankyou to all. Most photos today were taken using my Panasonic TZ5.

On arrival at Henley in Arden I went over the footbridge in order to sit down on the only seat on the station while waiting 20 minutes for the SE to arrive. However with Industrial Action by London Midland drivers resulting in no service provision at all there was nothing to delay The Shakespeare Express. I'd only just sat down when the train appeared... The whole charming character of the station will soon be changing when the semaphore signals are taken out of use and colour lights installed. Pitchford Hall looks in excellent condition. As we waited for the 11.26 departure time many travellors took the opportunity to stretch their legs and view the locomotive.... I even had time to cross the bridge again and take a couple of shots. The Shakespeare Express at Henley in Arden Our Pullman carriage awaits... 4953 at Henley Applause for Nigel. Without his efforts the loco wouldn't have been ready. On arrival at Stratford the usual operation is for arriving trains to propell the stock out of platform 1 and across the points... ...Plans are in hand for trackwork at Stratford to be amended thus making this manoevre unnecessary The SE arrives into platform 2 at Stratford Watering the loco is done from a water hydrant in a nearby street. The hose must be passed beneath the adjacent track. 4953 Pitchford Hall runs around at Stratford Star of the show - Kevin! 4953 during the run around. Michael carefully hands the heavy cast headboard down to Kevin who will fit it onto the smokebox door. Alastair, fireman for today, introduces his daughter to Ray Poole, the driver while his wife watches. In order to allow wheelchair passengers to reach platform 2 a call must be made to the 'box to ensure all signals are on red. After crossing the track a call must be made to notify the 'box that the track is cleared. Pitchford Hall nameplate 4953 Pitchford Hall at Stratford Fire in the beast... Michael holds the hosepipe watched by Dave Fisher and ? OMG. Look who it is assisting with ticket sales! None other than Radio Celebrity and DJ - Les Ross. Well done for helping out while Bernard gets back on his feet after a spell in hospital. Fresh coal has been thrown into the fierbox I finally got to see my photo poster at Moor street Station. Now thats what I call a room with a view. Lunch continues at Birmingham Snow Hill while we watch the near misses and road rage on the Birmingham ring road. At Snow Hill station the headboard is removed ... ...and re-fitted to the back of the tender Henry & Les on duty at Birmingham's Snow Hill station The hoardings have come down at Snow Hill to reveal a very attractive and airy waiting area... Driver Ray Poole with Fireman Alastair Meanley at Henley in Arden. 4953 Pitchford Hall drops down Wilmcote Bank towards Stratford on the final strtch of train C. Back at Stratford the loco is uncoupled... ...in order to commence the run around A view down the platform at Stratford 4953 Pitchford Hall with The Shakespeare Express approaches Claverdon station 4953 Pitchford Hall storms through Claverdon What's missing? The 1930's built concrete footbridge has gone revealing the road bridge for the first time in 70 years. Work underway at Claverdon the footbridge. Claverdon work on the footbridge.

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]]> Sun Sep 6 2009 Work on the boiler of Stanier Black 5 no 45305 nears completion. http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1750965.html Steve Underhill was already working on the boiler of 45305 when I arrived at Tyseley. He workd on it all day. It looks, to my untrained eye, almost ready to return to Loughborough... Saturday 5 September 2009: Steve Underhill was already working on the boiler of 45305 when I arrived at Tyseley. He workd on it all day. It looks, to my untrained eye, almost ready to return to Loughborough...

Inside the firebox end of 45305.

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]]> Sat Sep 5 2009 Preparing Pitchford Hall for The Shakespeare Express http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1750959.html I spent the day at Tyseley today assisting in the preparation of 4953 Pitchford Hall for hauling The Shakespeare Express tomorrow. Thanks to Nigel, Bernard & Kevin for an enjoyable but very tiring day. Saturday 5 September 2009: I spent the day at Tyseley today assisting in the preparation of 4953 Pitchford Hall for hauling The Shakespeare Express tomorrow. Thanks to Nigel, Bernard & Kevin for an enjoyable but very tiring day.

4953 stands at the south end of the yard awaiting a top up of coal. The chimney cap is still fitted. The loco stands outside the sheds all the time so rudimantary protection from rain is essential. The 08 shunter was needed to push 4953 back to allow Alastair Meanley driving the JCB tipper to ride up the sleepers to fill the tender. Nigel removes the safety valve bonnet cover.... ... and then works along to reach the chimney With Bernard sprucing up the buffers Nigel works away on the oil pot top ups. There are so many of them though. He spent at least an hour inside the frames under the loco sucking out the old contaminated oil and then filling with fresh. One loco, cleaned and polished, fire lit and ready for the job. 4953 Pitchford Hall stands at Tyseley.

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]]> Sat Sep 5 2009 A visit to the Severn Valley Railway http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1748220.html In the company of Ace Videographer Mike Snow we visited the SVR again. Main purpose was to see the newly overhauled Ivatt 2-6-0 'Flying Pig' but with 2 x Manors and Kinlet Hall in service together with the Ivatt Mogul it was steam heaven. In addition the Diesel service was using Western Class 52 no D1062 Western Courier. On several occasions we were Eboralled but were able to pass the time with the latest edition of The Big Issue from Chris Page who was spending the August Bank Holiday in his tent... Did he pack up and go home after the appalling weather on Sunday afternoon I wonder? Saturday 29 August 2009: In the company of Ace Videographer Mike Snow we visited the SVR again. Main purpose was to see the newly overhauled Ivatt 2-6-0 'Flying Pig' but with 2 x Manors and Kinlet Hall in service together with the Ivatt Mogul it was steam heaven. In addition the Diesel service was using Western Class 52 no D1062 Western Courier. On several occasions we were Eboralled but were able to pass the time with the latest edition of The Big Issue from Chris Page who was spending the August Bank Holiday in his tent... Did he pack up and go home after the appalling weather on Sunday afternoon I wonder?

Beautiful sunshine for 7802 Bradley manor at kidderminster Station.... ... but by the time Bradley manor had reached and departed from Bewdley the sun was gone!!! Entertainment was provided by some passing elephants within the Bewdley Safari Park 4936 Kinlet hall departs bewdley and is passing The Bewdley Safari Park Token exchange at Highley for the Driving experience trip with 46443 A departure from Highley with The Engine House to the left The frames of Standard 4 no 75069 stand outside the loco works at Bridgnorth. Western Courier passes Daniels Mill en route to Bridgnorth. With thanks to Michael Bonser for the inspiration - Mainline mag centre page spread... Where's the trains? Nope I simply liked the sky and was feeling a bit sheepish. A panning shot with 7812 Erlestoke Manor climbing Eardington Bank 4936 Kinlet Hall departs Bewdley and passes Dowles Junction... quick into the car... ...and after meeting up with Chris Page for a refund on my now used copy of The Big Issue I caught another shot of 4936 Kinlet Hall climbing to the summit on Eardington Bank. Home time..

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]]> Sat Aug 29 2009 Shakespeare Express with 4953 Pitchford Hall http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1747678.html It was the turn of GWR Hall Class loco no 4953 Pitchford Hall as traction on the Shakespeare Express today. I've a great deal of affection for this loco ever since seeing it for the first time at Crewe Works Great Gathering in September 2005 so I wanted to give something back today. After the final run I was waiting at Tyseley Locomotive Works to help with the disposal and preparation for the following day's trip to Melton Mowbray and the Harringworth Viaduct shuttle excursion. I called in at The Masala Club in Balsall Common on the way home for a curry takeaway. I certainly got some funny looks - the state I was in! Sunday 30 August 2009: It was the turn of GWR Hall Class loco no 4953 Pitchford Hall as traction on the Shakespeare Express today. I've a great deal of affection for this loco ever since seeing it for the first time at Crewe Works Great Gathering in September 2005 so I wanted to give something back today. After the final run I was waiting at Tyseley Locomotive Works to help with the disposal and preparation for the following day's trip to Melton Mowbray and the Harringworth Viaduct shuttle excursion. I called in at The Masala Club in Balsall Common on the way home for a curry takeaway. I certainly got some funny looks - the state I was in!

4953 Pitchford Hall awaits the signal to depart Stratford with the lunchtime run of The Shakespeare Express 4953 at Stratford In the weekly search for new locations I thought this may provide a pleasing shot at Songar Grange Well it wasn't such a good location after all I ventured back to Stratford for the afternoon run with 4953 Loco owner's wife Angela stands with Michael, one of the support team for the loco. Michael had been up at 4am to drive to Tyseley and help prepare the loco. He was still working at Tyseley when I left at 9.30pm. All voluntary of course. Well done Michael. 4953 Pitchford Hall rounds the curve at Hatton North junction The classic shot with 4953 Pitchford Hall and The Shakespeare Express. Strangly I was the only photographer at this location today except a video man who chose the far side of the bridge. I guess the miserable weather put many off. With CME for Tyseley - Bob Meanley and 4953 support team leader John Evans (pulling a Kryton type facial pose - SMUG MODE) on the footplate. After fotting at Hatton I drove into Birmingham to await the return of 4953 after depositing its final passengers at Snow Hill station. In shot are two Class 47's, 47580 County of Essex & 47773 - and the works Class 08 shunter - 13029. Immediately in front is a newly refurbished Mk1 1st Class compartment carriage. In miserable pouring rain I sheltered under the trees to catch some shots of the very slow descent into the works site. On the footplate. The bank is very steep at this point. Ray Churchill brings the train to a stand at this point in order for the loco to be detached. Uncoupling the carriages.... ...and the loco moves forwards towards the turntable and the far side of the Tyseley site. The carriages were then taken back into Warwick Road platform by the Class 47 - 47580. The trip to Melton Mowbray and over the Harringworth viaduct the next day will have the Class 47 on the back to act in push-pull mode back from Corby Once the loco was on the far side of the site the hard work started. Nigel was raking the fire through to break up and remove any lumps of clinker from the fire bars... Meanwhile Alastair Meanley had loaded the tender with about 4 giant scoops from the JCB digger. I'd tried to level off the coal as much as possible to avoid any lumps falling off. I then set about wiping down the motion - the rods - and then to give the wheels and spokes a clean. Michael is opening th smokebox door to start work on char removal. I was surprised how much had built up in the smokebox. Cloths have been draped over the locos front end in order to avoid burning of the paintwork from the hot ash. The hose is also ready to cool the ash. The level of char can now be seen. It was almost 1/3 full. Michael did the bulk of the work while I hosed things down then we swapped over. It was almost too dark to see into the smokebox by the time I'd finished. Michael takes a rest. It was quite dark by now.. Loco owner John Kennedy gently moves the rocking grate lever to drop the ash from the ashpan. There was still sufficient steam in the boiler to allow the loco to be moved forwards across the turntable to the inspection pit adjecent to 5029 Nunney Castle I nipped back to the car and returned with the tripod. Although the shots produced are badly affected by the sodium yellow lamps I've restored a normal colour within Photoshop. 4953 Pitchford Hall stands alongside 5029 Nunney Castle 4953 Pitchford Hall 4953 Pitchford Hall

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]]> Sun Aug 30 2009 The boiler of Stanier Black 5 no 45305 at Tyseley http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1747677.html While cleaning Nunney Castle at Tyseley I managed to take a couple of photos of the boiler for 45305. It was damaged in a shunt at Loughborough a couple of years ago and is still being worked on. Thursday 20 August 2009: While cleaning Nunney Castle at Tyseley I managed to take a couple of photos of the boiler for 45305. It was damaged in a shunt at Loughborough a couple of years ago and is still being worked on.

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]]> Thu Aug 20 2009 Ivatt Class 4 2-6-0 no 43106 ex Bridgnorth works http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1747583.html The LMS under H G Ivatt introduced this class of 2-6-0 in 1947. Initially they had double chimneys but these proved inefficient so the later builds were fitted with a single chimney and conversions applied to earlier builds. 43106 is the last remaining example of the 162 that were built and has been fully restored at Bridgnorth Loco Works over a period of many years. Congratulations to the team on a fine job. With my apologies to the 4953 team. The 'voices' told me to go to the SVR today instead of Tyseley to polish Pitchford Hall. Saturday 29 August 2009: The LMS under H G Ivatt introduced this class of 2-6-0 in 1947. Initially they had double chimneys but these proved inefficient so the later builds were fitted with a single chimney and conversions applied to earlier builds. 43106 is the last remaining example of the 162 that were built and has been fully restored at Bridgnorth Loco Works over a period of many years. Congratulations to the team on a fine job. With my apologies to the 4953 team. The 'voices' told me to go to the SVR today instead of Tyseley to polish Pitchford Hall.

Ivatt LMS designed 2-6-0 No 43106 arrives at Bewdley with a demonstration freight sometime in the 80's Can you see it? 43106 seen through the smokebox of 34010 Sidmouth (Thanks to Kieran for the correction) 43106 with 4936 Kinlet Hall. Affectionatly known as 'The Flying Pig' some whit has done a fine job on this headboard. I was curious about this 'box' behind the front tnder axlebox. Any ideas? Thanks to Tim/Brian Easter and Matt Kitchen who both described the box as being an improvement introduced by HGIvatt himself. Its a sieve/strainer that traps any debris in the tender water before going through the injectors. It requires routine cleaning at each wash-out. Thanks I even spotted Pete Waterman taking a look at this loco.

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]]> Sat Aug 29 2009 Tangmere at Stratford upon Avon http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1746702.html I had heard that 4953 Pitchford Hall was on a light engine test run to Stratford this afternoon so nipped over to the station to try and catch a shot. I had completely overlooked the Steam Dreams 'Cathedrals Express' excursion and was delighted to find Bulleid Battle of Britain Pacific 34067 Tangmere was being readied for the departure. Rumours were circulating that Pitchford Hall was scheduled to arrive and would bank the train up the sharp grade out of the station. Sadly Pitchford didn't arrive and Ray Poole manfully struggled with the regulator trying to achieve some grip hauling 11 carriages ... I later heard that 4953 had been put in the loop at Shirley. I still don't know whether it arrived at Stratford or simply headed back to Tyseley depot. Update - Yes it reached Stratford - probably just as i drove out of the car park - Sods law again... Thursday 27 August 2009: I had heard that 4953 Pitchford Hall was on a light engine test run to Stratford this afternoon so nipped over to the station to try and catch a shot. I had completely overlooked the Steam Dreams 'Cathedrals Express' excursion and was delighted to find Bulleid Battle of Britain Pacific 34067 Tangmere was being readied for the departure. Rumours were circulating that Pitchford Hall was scheduled to arrive and would bank the train up the sharp grade out of the station. Sadly Pitchford didn't arrive and Ray Poole manfully struggled with the regulator trying to achieve some grip hauling 11 carriages ... I later heard that 4953 had been put in the loop at Shirley. I still don't know whether it arrived at Stratford or simply headed back to Tyseley depot. Update - Yes it reached Stratford - probably just as i drove out of the car park - Sods law again...

34067 Tangmere awaits the signal to depart A somewhat distorted image caused by using a wide angle zoom lens. A somewhat distorted image caused by using a wide angle zoom lens. Some anonymous commenter with a West Bromwich IP address has asked why I've uploaded this image.... 1) Because I can. 2) Because I'm assessing the new lens. 3) Because I do this website for myself and if others find it interesting to view then thats a bonus. What I upload is for me to decide and constructive criticism will be taken on board. Anonymous comments are unwanted. A somewhat distorted image caused by using a wide angle zoom lens. 34067 with The Cathedrals Express A fotter was on the far platform when I nipped around to take a shot. I noticed him pull a hi-vis out. As i went over the bridge to the sunny side of the station I noticed him walking down the track and disappear behind the track panels. Nobody stopped him. Here he is carrying his Morrisons carrier bag. Ray Poole was placing some last minute bets on the gee-gees. (joke!) Driver Ray Poole and Fireman Les Perry await the off. The departure from Stratford is always difficult. Ray initially reversed the train slightly with a view to taking a run at it.. ...As the train had reversed I quickly grabbed a better front end shot Ray then tried time after time to get some grip but the wheels kept slipping. Here i've used a slow shutter speed to show the wheels spinning. ...Finally he got some grip and Tangmere gently eased the train up the bank... ...and away The effects of the wheel spin were plain to see. Here's our fotter heading back to the platform.... ...and a close up. He shouted over to me that he worked for the railway. Anybody recognise him? I waited until 7pm for Pitchford Hall to make an appearance but gave up and went home....

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]]> Thu Aug 27 2009 The Shakespeare Express with 5029 Nunney Castle http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1744810.html After helping with the cleaning of Nunney castle It was gratifying to see the loco hauling The Shakespeare Express in wonderful sunshine today. Sunday 23 August 2009: After helping with the cleaning of Nunney castle It was gratifying to see the loco hauling The Shakespeare Express in wonderful sunshine today.

Having crested the bank at Shrewley 5029 Nunney castle really begins to accelerate on its way back to Birmingham with the 1st Shakespeare Express of the day. 5029 Nunney Castle With Ben and Phil on the task of trimming the coal in the tender 5029 Nunney Castle stands at Stratford upon Avon 5029 Nunney Castle With the aid of my new super-zoom wide angle lens I got a shot of the footplate of 5029 Nunney Castle. Note the steam powered telephone! Tenders full so kevin shuts off at the hydrant and packs up. Ben rolls up the hose through the Stratford steam museum site Castle Class 4-6-0 no 5029 Nunney Castle climbs Wilmcote bank with the 4.15pm departure from Stratford upon Avon. Castle Class 4-6-0 no 5029 Nunney Castle climbs Wimcote bank with the 4.15pm departure from Stratford upon Avon. Castle Class 4-6-0 no 5029 Nunney Castle climbs Wimcote bank with the 4.15pm departure from Stratford upon Avon.

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]]> Sun Aug 23 2009 Cleaning Castle Class 4-6-0 no 5029 Nunney Castle http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1743577.html I was invited to join in the cleaning preparations for 5029 Nunney Castle this evening at Tyseley. The fire is planned to be lit tomorrow for its inspection prior to hauling The Shakespeare Express on Sunday. Thursday 20 August 2009: I was invited to join in the cleaning preparations for 5029 Nunney Castle this evening at Tyseley. The fire is planned to be lit tomorrow for its inspection prior to hauling The Shakespeare Express on Sunday.

On arrival at Tyseley at just after 7pm I found 5029 Nunney Castle in one of the spurs off the turntable. That window frame looks badly tarnished. I made a start on that. Ben is seen working on buffing up the sides of the tender The polished nameplate of Nunney Castle Ben and Steve get stuck into the cleaning. Ben and Steve get stuck into the cleaning. The window frame and cab brasswork looks far better now. Meanwhile over on 4953 Pitchford Hall Johnnie Evans, Howard Rowan and Nigel Spur were re-fitting the spark arrestor in the smokebox - a very dirty job. (Thanks for the info Mary) Nigel is occasionally allowed out of the smokebox for some fresh air. 5029 Nunney Castle & 4953 Pitchford Hall 5029 Nunney Castle & 4953 Pitchford Hall With the light having gone I took the opportunity of a few time exposure shots. Initially using the work platform ..... ....4953 Pitchford Hall - another shot with the camera perched on the work platform. Having departed the site i then realised I'd left all my cleaning materials behind - yes I even buy my own Brasso and cleaning cloths when polishing up a loco - so I dug my tripod out the boot and came back and tried again. Castle Class 4-6-0 no 5029 Nunney Castle stands at Tyseley Hall Class 4-6-0 no 4953 Pitchford Hall stands at Tyseley.

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]]> Thu Aug 20 2009 Shakespeare Express with 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1742681.html The sun was hiding again for the main event. It was a beautiful sunny few minutes until 5043 showed itself at Hatton. Dead on cue a cloud passed in front until the moment that the final carriage disappeared down the line. Typical. Tender first runs were captured at Wootton Wawen and Henley in Arden with chimney first shots at Songar Crossing near Langley & Hatton. Sunday 16 August 2009: The sun was hiding again for the main event. It was a beautiful sunny few minutes until 5043 showed itself at Hatton. Dead on cue a cloud passed in front until the moment that the final carriage disappeared down the line. Typical. Tender first runs were captured at Wootton Wawen and Henley in Arden with chimney first shots at Songar Crossing near Langley & Hatton.

Wootton Wawen station is the closest one on the Shakespeare Line to where I live but I only just made this shot as 5043 was on the limit travelling tender first.... ....Driver Ray Churchill hangs onto his hat as 5043 roars through Wootton Wawen I've been to this location a couple of times but hadn't noticed the official name before... Songar Crossing. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe heads along the single track section from Bearley towards Claverdon and about to pass Songar crossing. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe passes Songar crossing with The Shakespeare Express I only just caught the afternoon tender first run of The Shakespeare Express at henley in Arden. It was running well ahead of time but with no passengers to pick up its not a problem. The final pass at Hatton and a more side on pose was selected as the head on shot is becoming more than a bit old hat now.... 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe eases around the curve at Hatton to join the mainline for the fast run to Birmingham. A walk along the Grand Union canal shows the tranquil setting in the warwickshire countryside.

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]]> Sun Aug 16 2009 Great Central Railway - Tank Engine Gala http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1741686.html The two tank locos 42085 & 1744 were the stars of the Great Central Railways latest gala. In the company of Mike Snow we managed to catch some sunshine but we still feel we're jinxed... All the usual faces were there - Brian Burrows, Rick Eborall, David Armitage to name a few... My thanks to all the staff and volunteers who put on such an excellent show. My only regret was that I forgot to nip down the road to inspect the new GCR offices during their open day that I'd read about on the web. There was no signs up anywhere that I could see at the station. Saturday 15 August 2009: The two tank locos 42085 & 1744 were the stars of the Great Central Railways latest gala. In the company of Mike Snow we managed to catch some sunshine but we still feel we're jinxed... All the usual faces were there - Brian Burrows, Rick Eborall, David Armitage to name a few... My thanks to all the staff and volunteers who put on such an excellent show. My only regret was that I forgot to nip down the road to inspect the new GCR offices during their open day that I'd read about on the web. There was no signs up anywhere that I could see at the station.

The familiar entrance to the GCR station at Loughborough. Down at Loughborough sheds the stars for todays performance were being prepared. The N2 was being prepared for duty at Loughborough shed. Gresley N2 no 1744 (BR 69523) shows off its new green coat of many colours 78019 was being readied for its 'Drive a Locomotive Experience' - departures at 11.55, 12.55 & 14.55. 78019 was looking good after its clean up 78019, 63601 & 42085 Richard Todd stands with the flue tubes that await the return of the 45305 boiler from Tyseley. Kevin used the lever on the rocking grate of 42085 and creates loads of dust. All the GCR's tank locos. A view from the 'box 1744 prepares for duty Inside Loughborough signalbox News came through that there was no driver for the DMU. Peak diesel D123 was pressed into action. One of the benefits of a diesel loco. Press a button and away you go. (Well almost) The menu for today D123 runs around... ... and couples onto the single observation car. D123 departs only a couple of minutes late N2 no 1744 runs through Loughborough station on the loop line to reach its carriages 1744 reverses back onto the carriages N2 no 1744 runs around With the sun breaking through 1744 stands at Loughborough Departure of the 10.15am from Loughbough hauled by N2 no 1744. Its always a bit risky taking a shot this side of Beeches Road bridge but Fred assured me he'd shut the drain cocks well before he'd reach me. Thanks Fred. Fairburn 2-6-4 no 42085 passes Woodthorpe with the 11.15. Theres certainly no mistaking the N2 loco when its running bunker first. The Standard 2 no 78019 passes Rabbit Bridge Light Engine with a Dalex loco experience. 42085 is seen running on the single track section south of the A46 bridge heading towards Birstall. Oh dear... This is the one that got away from Mike Snow. After fotting at the oak tree location near Birstall we drove rapidly back to Quorn to catch a shot of the N2 departing with the 14.15 ex Loughborough. Unfortunately when Mike started looking in the boot for his hi-viz the realisation that he'd dropped it dawned on him while walking back to car. He was left with no alternative but to film from the public side of the railway fence... We then went back to Birstall and rapidly recovered the lost item and headed onto Kinchley Lane. Here the N2 departs Quorn in glorious sunshine. In the excellent company of David Armitage (who can tell you anything you want to know about photography and lots more besides) we walked over to the field near Kinchley lane for the returning N2 pass with 15.00 from Leicester North He did it again! Mike pressed the dull button just as 42085 rounded the corner at Kinchley lane with the 15.15 from Loughborough. In glorious sunshine 1744 stands at Loughborough 1744 waits in the sunshine at Loughborough while Media Man has his camera pointing at me.. 42085 arrives at loughborough with the 16.00 from Leicester

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]]> Sat Aug 15 2009 Drama on The Shakespeare Express http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1738572.html In unusually sunny weather I ventured over to Hatton Junction for the lunchtime running of The Shakespeare Express. This week was scheduled to be hauled by Tyseley's newly restored Castle class 4-6-0 no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe. At the appointed time it slowly worked its way around the curve at Hatton North Junction but came to a halt at the signals...... read on.... Sunday 9 August 2009: In unusually sunny weather I ventured over to Hatton Junction for the lunchtime running of The Shakespeare Express. This week was scheduled to be hauled by Tyseley's newly restored Castle class 4-6-0 no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe. At the appointed time it slowly worked its way around the curve at Hatton North Junction but came to a halt at the signals...... read on....

5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe slowly eased towards the signals in the vain hope they might change... Driver Ray Churchill climbed down and walked towards the phone to talk to control... ...however nothing appeared to be moving... 5043 waits while a southbound train passes.. A pow-wow with Driver Ray Churchill, Fireman Alastair Meanley & CME of Tyseley Locomotive Works Bob Meanley A service train moved southbound VERY slowly 5043 waits while a Wrexham & Shropshire train headed south A Wrexham & Shropshire train also moved through VERY slowly watched by Bob Meanley The points appeared set for the Shakespeare Express but clearly there was something wrong with the circuit. This was an opportunity to take a few different location shots 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe halted at signals A southbound service train was held at the signals... ...and then slowly moved on... ...passing 5043 on the Stratford branch Kevin appears with drinks for the footplate crew... waiting.... Ray & Bob... Points repairman no. 1 appeared from Shrewley... Ray & Bob practice their line dancing while they wait...while Arthur, the train manager looks for an update to keep the passengers informed. After giving the thing a few kicks he appeared to give up... After issuing a few oaths and giving the thing a few kicks he decided to take a cold beer from the fridge and wait for help to arrive. What? You didn't know there were cool boxes adjacent to every set of points!!! Points repairman no 2 appeared from Hatton direction Progress? A northbound train went through very slowly... Meanwhile a Class 66 hauled PW train was held at the signals. A northbound service train passes by.. ...and headed towards Shrewley The PW train headed by 66063.. .. with classmate 66051 being hauled dead at the back The cavalry's arrived... 3 more members of the PW staff head towards the problem from Hatton station The cavalry's arrived from Hatton At last movement as 5043 begins its move back to Birmingham.. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe slowly moves away from Hatton after a wait of 1hr 25 minutes ..but Ray played it with great care and the train moved across the points very slowly

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]]> Sun Aug 9 2009 David Shepherd at the Gloucester & Warwickshire railway. http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1738527.html In the usual company of Mike Snow - checkout his videos... - I visited the G&WR for only the 2nd time this year and was rewarded with some excellent sunny shots. Its about time our luck changed... Saturday 8 August 2009: In the usual company of Mike Snow - checkout his videos... - I visited the G&WR for only the 2nd time this year and was rewarded with some excellent sunny shots. Its about time our luck changed...

On arrival 92203 Black Prince was already over the pit and being prepared for duty Fireman Cliff Faulkner swings his shovel during steam raising Trainee fireman Tina (firewoman simply doesn't sound right) gets stuck in cleaning 92203 Ian Crowder begins his 3rd degree interrogation at the hands of Clr Steve Wakefield, former Mayor of Swindon who was reporting for the Swindon Evening Advertiser & Swindon Radio 105.5FM 92203 begins the Toddington two step to reach the station. It moves forwards across the points and then.... Ian's interview continues... The star is all dressed up ....reverses towards the mainline Final move is forwards towards the empty coaching stock with drain cocks open 0-6-2 no 5619 has slowly moved down the shed road and awaits access to the stock in the station May as well polish up the safety valve bonnet while we're waiting... ..and still the interview goes on... What were they talking about? Inside Toddington box. 5619 stands outside the signalbox at Toddington 92203 Black Prince departs Toddington with the first train of the day and the signalman passes the token over as the train passes. 92203 Black prince departs Toddington past the superb fleet of mainline diesels. David Shepherd, owner of 92203, was on the footplate. 5619 takes water... ...and then slowly reversed onto the stock A real mothers union meeting was taking place on the platform 5619 has just passed under Hailes Abbey bridge 5619 approaches the high point between Toddington and Winchcombe 92203 climbs the bank up to the summit from Winchcombe More panning practice on 92203 92203 Black Prince approaches the mouth of Greet tunnel 5619 exits Greet tunnel. With no other linesiders around I was able to experiemnt with new location shots. Some would say a shot in the shadows was not the done thing... I disagree. Its different David Shepherd is greeted by a reporter from an Evesham newspaper.... Her photographer partner then took over... ...and encouraged David to raise his hat, up a bit, left a bit, back a bit, - David kept his cool... ...more photos.. ...and one for me... Thankyou sir The usual melee at the platform end The Spitfire from the Battle of Britain memorial Flight arrived dead on time to pay tribute to David Shepherd. Spitfire PS915 MkPRXIX was the displaying aircraft. 92203 descends towards Winchcombe around Chicken Curve 5619 slowly crosses Ireley Road after leaving Winchcombe 92203 Black Prince in Dixton cutting 92203 in Dixton cutting Progress on the new station building at Winchcombe... ...the new building will be an excellent addition to Winchcombe's facilities. 5619 departs Winchcombe towards Cheltenham in late afternoon sunshine In glorious late afternoon sunshine 5619 departs Winchcombe towards Cheltenham. Tina was matching her colleague shovelful for shovelful in the ashpit. She is no pushover. Awesome. 92203 Black Prince at Toddington Disposal duties commence on 92203 Clearing out the char from the smokebox Further photos of the front of the loco were 'binned' Do you understand?

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]]> Sat Aug 8 2009 Shakespeare Express with 4936 Kinlet Hall http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1735325.html 4936 Kinlet Hall was the motive power hauling The Shakespeare Express today. I used the bridge near Lowsonford/Rowington adjacent to the M40 for the lunchtime run and after nipping into Stratford upon Avon I then went to one of the Langley area foot crossings were i met up with Rik Eborall and a couple of others. Sunday 2 August 2009: 4936 Kinlet Hall was the motive power hauling The Shakespeare Express today. I used the bridge near Lowsonford/Rowington adjacent to the M40 for the lunchtime run and after nipping into Stratford upon Avon I then went to one of the Langley area foot crossings were i met up with Rik Eborall and a couple of others.

4936 Kinlet Hall accelerates towards Birmingham with the M40 alongside.... ....When i arrived here there was another fotter already set up. In chatting he said he was a regular volunteer in the C&W department of the SVR...One of the unsung heroes. 4936 Kinlet Hall heads away northbound 4936 Kinlet Hall stands at Stratford upon Avon with the afternoon Shakespeare Express Kinlet Hall nameplate A service train from Birmingham arrives into platform 1 at Stratford 4936 Kinlet Hall on the single track branch from Bearley Junction 4936 Kinlet Hall hauling the afternoon Shakespeare Express at Langley between bearley and Claverdon

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]]> Sun Aug 2 2009 An interlude at Henley in Arden http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1735322.html A casual visit to Henley in Arden today. OK lets be honest I arrived too late to photograph The Shakespeare Express. A badly timed visit to Alcester beforehand caused my delay. Sunday 2 August 2009: A casual visit to Henley in Arden today. OK lets be honest I arrived too late to photograph The Shakespeare Express. A badly timed visit to Alcester beforehand caused my delay.

Some friendly gentlemen had removed the seriously boarded up doorway to the gents toilet at Henley in Arden station. It was like looking into the past. An open fireplace in the gents! How busy did they expect this station to be? There were three stalls and a similar number of urinals. The doorway to the gents had been boarded up but somebody must have been desperate!

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]]> Sun Aug 2 2009 The Bekoning Bard http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1734706.html It's Saturday so it must be wet and miserable. Castle Class no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe hauled the Chiltern Railways sponsored 'Bekoning Bard' excursion from London marylebone to Stratford upon Avon today. I took what may be my final shot at Hatton Bank (due to vegetation growth) for the northbound and then was held in roadworks and slow traffic en route to catch the arrival at Stratford. Southbound was photographed at Warwick Parkway. Saturday 1 August 2009: It's Saturday so it must be wet and miserable. Castle Class no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe hauled the Chiltern Railways sponsored 'Bekoning Bard' excursion from London marylebone to Stratford upon Avon today. I took what may be my final shot at Hatton Bank (due to vegetation growth) for the northbound and then was held in roadworks and slow traffic en route to catch the arrival at Stratford. Southbound was photographed at Warwick Parkway.

On the ascent of Hatton Bank 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe makes a fine sight. 5043 runs around.... The light engine move back to Tyseley for servicing. 5043 is ready for the return journey from Stratford 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe at Stratford Driver for the run from Stratford upon Avon back to London Marylebone was Ray Poole. He's seen here on the footplate of 5043 in company with the CME for Tyseley Locomotive Works - Bob Meanley Castle Class 4-6-0 no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe powers down Hatton Bank on the approach to Warwick Parkway with the returning 'Bekoning Bard' excursion from Stratford upon Avon to London Marylebone. Fireman Alastair Meanley can be seen leaning out from the footplate. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe rounds the bend into Warwick Parkway while hauling 'The Bekoning Bard' excursion back to London Marylebone. With the tower of St. Mary's church in the background 5043 roars through Warwick Parkway

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]]> Sat Aug 1 2009 Shakespeare Express - Week 4 http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1731422.html The Shakespeare Express was hauled again by Castle Class no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe today. In miserable overcast and drizzling weather I ventured over to Wilmcote to record the pass for the lunchtime run. With Mike Snow and his wife on board I couldn't expect anything but bad weather now could I? Sunday 26 July 2009: The Shakespeare Express was hauled again by Castle Class no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe today. In miserable overcast and drizzling weather I ventured over to Wilmcote to record the pass for the lunchtime run. With Mike Snow and his wife on board I couldn't expect anything but bad weather now could I?

Castle Class no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe roars through Wilmcote after the climb away from Stratford upon Avon with the lunchtime run of The Shakespeare Express. My sincere thanks must go to the friendly couple who watched the action while standing behind me rather than sheltering from the drizzle under the footbridge and also to the chap nearest the camera who quickly agreed to my request to remove his yellow hi-viz cycling jacket just before the train arrived. For the afternoon run of the Shakespeare Express I headed to my local station as the rain was beginning to fall freely by now. There was a family group on the bridge and in chatting was told that the chap on the platform was the real steam train buff having driven locos at a quarry in the distant past. Meanwhile Ray Churchill - driver for today was giving me a cheery wave as he passed by. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe at Claverdon.

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]]> Sun Jul 26 2009 GCR - Mail by Rail Gala http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1731355.html Another excellent presentation by The Great Central Railway. 78019, 42085, 48305 & 30777 Sir Lamiel in operation with 63601 as standby loco while on the diesel side was D1705 and a double-headed combination of D5185 & D5401 and also not forgetting the DMU set. I also caught a shot of D123 being prepared for Sunday's operations. The bad news was that on a mostly sunny and bright day my companions Mike Snow and Brian Burrows are clearly jinxed and pressed the cloud button at all the wrong times. I was also nursing a painful finger that Mike Snow managed to trap in my car door in a vain attempt at spoiling my fun. Owch! Work in Progress Saturday 25 July 2009: Another excellent presentation by The Great Central Railway. 78019, 42085, 48305 & 30777 Sir Lamiel in operation with 63601 as standby loco while on the diesel side was D1705 and a double-headed combination of D5185 & D5401 and also not forgetting the DMU set. I also caught a shot of D123 being prepared for Sunday's operations. The bad news was that on a mostly sunny and bright day my companions Mike Snow and Brian Burrows are clearly jinxed and pressed the cloud button at all the wrong times. I was also nursing a painful finger that Mike Snow managed to trap in my car door in a vain attempt at spoiling my fun. Owch! Work in Progress

On arrival at Loughborough i took a quick shot through the fence. D5401 is on the extreme right alongside the 4 carriage TPO set. 78019 awaits its first duty 48305 at Loughborough Media people were here to film a pilot show.... ...Kevin Tilbury gets the 3rd degree in an interview with Media girl. Media man and media girl interview Kevin while maintenance man does his best to get himself on TV. 30777 and 48305 42085 had been steamed inside the shed and has provided a smoky atmosphere that for me was filled with nostalgia - Aintree, Lostock Hall, Edge Hill, Crewe South.... Close your eyes, breath in and let the memories flood back.... Oh and the hacking cough and the grit in the eyes... Oh happy days. ...and black & white The N2 69523 was in the depths of the shed. This could be Lostock hall with an atmosphere you could cut with a knife. 42085 stands with Stanier Black 5 no 45305 and a Class 20 diesel. N2 no. 1744 was not in steam today 47406 has had its boiler replaced at last and begins to look like a locomotive again 30777 at Loughborough shed 63601 was in light steam but was not used. With 78019 in the distance about to run through the station, Stanier 8F no 48305 moves off shed Kevin gently pours the rocket fuel for 30777 The driver of 48305 awaits the signal to move off shed A study of the Class 08 shunter/mobile diesel refuel loco no D4067 78019 shunting stock The only sunny departure was the light engine stock move with 78019 and 48305 Almost the only sunny departure was of the loco positioning move with 78019 & 48305 departing Loughborough. 'Hello Chris, Brian here. Are you in there? Could I buy the latest copy of The Big Issue please? D1705 Sparrowhawk stands at Beeches Road bridge 42085 accelerates away from Loughborough and is passing the signals near Charnwood Water The DMU set at Beeches Road bridge 48305 is on the final approach to Loughborough with the windcutter rake of wagons. 48305 approaches Beeches Road bridge Class 47 no D1705 stands at Loughborough ststion The TPO set departs Loughborough hauled by D1705 Sparrowhawk The DMU set is seen en route from Quorn towards Loughborough 30777 Sir Lamiel 30777 Sir Lamiel at Woodthorpe with a Leicester bound train The crew of 48305 wave to the Quorn cabin staff as it heads past with the windcutters 42085 brings the 10.45am towards Quorn and is seen passing the mail drop point with owner/custodian Stephen Maher on the footplate. The mailbags are prepared for TPO collection D1705 approaches Quorn from the Leicester direction with the windcutters. D5185 and D5401 provide some clag as they accelerate away from Quorn 42085 roars through Quorn with the TPO set. Even the brown overall staff were taking photos of this one... 0-6-0 Austerity saddletank Robert stands at the end of the stock siding at Quorn. I saw this loco in steam as shunting loco at Bold colliery in 1975 during Rainhill 150. 48305 approaches from Leicester with the TPO set..... A quick grab shot before the inevitable happened.... .... Yes we were snookered by 48305 ...78019 appears from behind the TPO set south of Quorn. D1705 Sparrowhawk at Quorn The RVP information tent at Quorn D5401/D5185 pass Quorn 'box from Leicester 42085 running bunker first rounds the curve from Rabbit Bridge towards Kinchley lane 30777 about to pass beneath Kinchley lane bridge 30777 passes under the pipeline bridge south of Kinchley Lane

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]]> Sat Jul 25 2009 A visit to the Isle of Man Railway network http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1730630.html A collection of photos taken during a short stay on the Isle of Man. Rick Eborall pointed out to me that this collection from July, of 1 photo at the time, was still showing as Work in Progress. I'd overlooked it. So here are the pics from a holiday on the Isle of Man. In a month or so I'll slip it back to July's date. Friday 30 October 2009: A collection of photos taken during a short stay on the Isle of Man. Rick Eborall pointed out to me that this collection from July, of 1 photo at the time, was still showing as Work in Progress. I'd overlooked it. So here are the pics from a holiday on the Isle of Man. In a month or so I'll slip it back to July's date.

A view of Colby station No 13 Kissack arrives at Colby station The Victorian carriages are suprisingly comfortable. Probably due to the fact that the whole line has been relaid recently. Unusually our train crosses with a special charter at Castletown. The normal crossing station is Ballasalla. Arrival at Douglas around the old locomotive servicing sheds Up to the 1960's trains for Port Erin and Peel used to depart alongside each other. Sadly the Peel route closed. Kissack & Hutchinson stand alongside each other at Douglas Hutchinson stands at Douglas ready to depart the station with some of the additional carriages used on the first train from Port Erin. The shunter stands on the running board of the carriage as the ecs is hauled out of Douglas station.... ...leaving a reduced set of 4 carriages The Isle of Man Steam Railway logo on a carriage Sunshine at last! but no steam loco to photograph Rails along the Douglas Promenade with Gwynne hauling tramcar no 45... John with tram no 35 Philip has just started out from Derby Castle station The tramcar shed at Derby Castle On the Manx Electric Railway (MER) loco no 6 has arrived and passengers are alighting. The loco is uncoupled for the run around. No 6 moves into the headshunt The electrical connection is manually turned to trail backwards.... and no 6 moves around its trailer The run around at Derby Castle Loco is then coupled up to the trailer Departure from Douglas is quite steep away from the prom. High up on the coastal road beyond Onchan we pass loco no 19 en route from Ramsey to Douglas. Final approach to the station at Laxey is across this viaduct Comparison of a Manx Electric Railway car and a Mountain railcar. The Mountain railway uses pantograph current collectors, has a powerful roof mounted headlight and appears to be of larger dimensions than its neighbour. No 5 arrives at Laxey Inside view of a mountain railcar Life has its ups and downs for these guys. Two of the driving team from the Mountain railway system pose for me at Laxey. No 5 begins its climb to the top of 2,000+ft Snaefell Back at Douglas - rain has started yet again. A study of no 13 Kissack With wet platforms at Douglas no 13 Kissack awaits departure to Port Erin I alighted at Colby.. 3 days later and I started my day at Santon... No 10 C H Wood approaches Santon station In its stunning new green livery no. 10 G H Wood runs through Santon station non-stop with the first train of the day from Douglas. ... where I was caught out by the sun coming out just at the wrong time. No 10 C H Wood hauls the first train of the day from Douglas. I finally found Port Soderick station after driving past it 3 times. It was very well hidden. No 13 Kissack at Port Soderick. At Douglas two locos were standing at the shed. No 13 Kissack and no 12 Hutchinson No 12 Hutchinson was being refuelled. Not with a JCB but by hand. The coal was simply thrown onto the footplate.

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]]> Fri Oct 30 2009 60163 Tornado hauls The Torbay Express http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1729061.html With Tornado scheduled to haul The Torbay Express for a few weeks a trip was essential. Rolling along the Somerset levels and the Devon coast at a steady 73mph++ was a wonderful experience. The problem with travelling on a steam excursion is that you don't get to take any lineside photos... I hope this collection helps others in their plans to catch a shot. My thanks to the crews and support teams for a great day out... Sunday 19 July 2009: With Tornado scheduled to haul The Torbay Express for a few weeks a trip was essential. Rolling along the Somerset levels and the Devon coast at a steady 73mph++ was a wonderful experience. The problem with travelling on a steam excursion is that you don't get to take any lineside photos... I hope this collection helps others in their plans to catch a shot. My thanks to the crews and support teams for a great day out...

60163 Tornado has brought the ecs into Bristol Temple Meads station and suddenly the sun appears!!! After staying overnight in the Mercure Brigstow Hotel I awoke to a very wet and windy Bristol. As Tornado stood at the head of the train at Temple Meads station amazingly the sun came out for a few seconds.... There is a God. The melee at the end of the platform It wasn't long before the heavens opened though... Departure of The Torbay Express in the pouring rain! The water stop at Taunton on the way out enabled some further shots of 60163 60163 Tornado at Taunton The secret is out... Rocket Fuel was being poured into the tender... Now we know what makes it go so fast.. The Water supply bowser at Taunton ..mind the hosepipe along the platform The footplate traction inspector Bob Hart (left) in discussions with A1 Steam Trust Operations Director Graeme Bunker & off duty Traction Inspector 'Gentleman Jim' Smith from DB(EWS) Thornaby. My thanks to TB and JC for the info. Much appreciated. Well it was Sunday morning. Admirers kneel in prayer and offer their digital cameras to the locomotive as offerings. Some people were tickled pink. Departure from Newton Abbot after an operational stop.. Once at Paignton 60163 was beseiged by admirers while waiting for access onto the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway tracks. After sneeking between peoples legs to reach the front I caught a shot of Western meeting Eastern. GWR Manor Class 4-6-0 no 7827 Lydham Manor pulls away from Paington with the 12.15pm service train to Kingswear. Bringing up the rear on the P & DR train set was the superb Pullman Observation Car Goodrington's red sand Tornado heads towards Churston... passing Churston and its famous beach huts... ...Crossing Hookhills viaduct Churston turntable simply looked too small for Tornado but it just fits! Phew. Finally Dartmouth appears and we're almost there 60163 pulls into Kingswear Station... ...and draws to a halt Edgcumbe! Edgcumbe Belle approaches Dartmouth Railway Station! Yes even though there is no railway they do have a station... After spending a pleasant few hours in Dartmouth I returned to the station to find 60163 had turned and was at the head of the train. 7827 Lydham Manor arrives at Kingswear with the 16.15 from Paignton. The Devon Belle with Tornado The Devon Belle A busy scene at Kingswear 60163 and the Dart estuary Lydham Manor nameplate 7827 at Kingswear 7827 departs Kingswear with the 16.45 final train of the day to Paignton First carriage on the return was The Devon belle Pullman Observation car 17.15 and we are about to depart With some slight slipping 60163 gets away en route back to Bristol This made me smile... This chap was steering his boat with his bum cheeks while taking shots of the departing train... Don't slip sir or there could be a nasty accident! Is this what you call a bum steer? 60163 Tornado along the Dart estuary After the stiff climb 60163 begins to drop down towards the coast again Passing Goodrington Sands station. Passing through Torquay Passing through Torre Arrival at Newton Abbot and the best part of the whole trip is about to begin as the train runs alongside the Teign Valley, along the coast and then up the Exe Valley Gathering speed... RAIN!!! POURING RAIN!!! and I daren't stick the camera out any more... On arrival at Exeter and the final water stop. I wandered down to take a look at the merchandise for sale from the A1 trolley and took a look at the 2010 calendar... I was delighted to find one of my photos had been used for April 2010!!! I exclaimed my delight and was asked to sign a ladies calendar that she had just purchased... As it was April I was tempted to sign M. Mouse.

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]]> Sun Jul 19 2009 Poster Size 4965 at Birmingham Moor Street http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1723442.html I was told that Chiltern railways had created two posters using my photo of '4965 Rood Ashton Hall at Hatton North Junction' and had them hanging at Moor Street station. A kindly friend took a couple of pics of them and has granted permission for me to use the images. Thursday 9 July 2009: I was told that Chiltern railways had created two posters using my photo of '4965 Rood Ashton Hall at Hatton North Junction' and had them hanging at Moor Street station. A kindly friend took a couple of pics of them and has granted permission for me to use the images.

The location is towards the top end of the 'out of use' platforms at Moor Street attached to the new water tower base. .... (copyright B. Wilson) ... and a close up... (Copyright B. Wilson) Best place for my photos - In the Karzi.

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]]> Thu Jul 9 2009 For Sale - From Tyseley - (Probably) http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1723261.html Well it must be true as its published in Heritage Railway Magazine. According to the article GWR Pannier tank loco 7760, a spare boiler (which I think is the one identified as 3803), several unrestored MkII carriages and many items from the museum are to be sold off in order to raise funds to complete the restoration of 7029 Clun Castle, the completion of the Bloomer Project loco and expand the dining facilities within the VT stock. Wednesday 8 July 2009: Well it must be true as its published in Heritage Railway Magazine. According to the article GWR Pannier tank loco 7760, a spare boiler (which I think is the one identified as 3803), several unrestored MkII carriages and many items from the museum are to be sold off in order to raise funds to complete the restoration of 7029 Clun Castle, the completion of the Bloomer Project loco and expand the dining facilities within the VT stock.

GWR Pannier tank loco no 7760 The boiler from 3803

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]]> Wed Jul 8 2009 Shakespeare Express - 12th July 2009 http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1722447.html 4936 Kinlet Hall is the motive power for the coming weekend. Buy your tickets now from Vintage Trains. This is, of course, subject to operational availability. Tuesday 7 July 2009: 4936 Kinlet Hall is the motive power for the coming weekend. Buy your tickets now from Vintage Trains. This is, of course, subject to operational availability.

Thanks to BW for his excellent artwork.

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]]> Tue Jul 7 2009 Shakespeare Express - week 1 http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1721875.html GWR Castle Class no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe was the loco selected for hauling the first SE of the 2009 season. It performed faultlessly and looked superb. Sunday 5 July 2009: GWR Castle Class no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe was the loco selected for hauling the first SE of the 2009 season. It performed faultlessly and looked superb.

With Bob Meanley looking out from the footplate 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe approaches Henley in Arden station. It wont be too long now that the semaphore signals are taken out of action and removed. It will be sad if the signalbox is demolished. 5043 pulls to a halt at Henley in Arden Ready to depart towards Stratford from Henley in Arden 5043 accelerates northbound after cresting the bank at Shrewley... ...and Ray gives me a cheery wave. 5043 has arrived at Stratford 5043 brings the ecs back into Stratford after moving from platform 1 5043 commences the run around Even more obstacles must be overcome for the water hoses to reach a hydrant this year. Earl of Mount Edgcumbe nameplate Driver Ray Churchill signs a few autographs. Ray chats to the passengers at Stratford 5043 sat at the top of the platform 2 while taking water.. ...then backed onto the carriages Before I left i managed to catch a further shot from platform 1 I have to admit I know nothing of buses. i'm sure somebody will help. Please? This Midland Red single decker was standing in the station car park at Stratford 5043 slowly rounds the curve off the Claverdon branchline Castle Class 4-6-0 no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe rounds the curve from the Claverdon branchline onto the mainline at Hatton North Junction with the 1st afternoon run of The Shakespeare Express for the 2009 season A scenic shot while on the way back to the car at Hatton station. NOW That's the right way to travel....Blow into this bag please.... They were celebrating the completion of ascending the 'Stairway to Heaven' climb up the flight of locks out of Warwick.

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]]> Sun Jul 5 2009 WAR at the Severn valley Railway http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1721316.html The 2nd weekend of War at Severn Valley Railway was the destination for Mike Snow, Brian Burrows and I this saturday. Weather started out good but as usual the clouds gathered and rain fell in answer to Mike's rain dance. Personally I reckon its a button on his hi-def vidcam that he's pressed in error. Saturday 4 July 2009: The 2nd weekend of War at Severn Valley Railway was the destination for Mike Snow, Brian Burrows and I this saturday. Weather started out good but as usual the clouds gathered and rain fell in answer to Mike's rain dance. Personally I reckon its a button on his hi-def vidcam that he's pressed in error.

At Bewdley MPD Ivatt Mogul 46443 was simmering. We normally find Tom Clarke up to his neck in ash and cleaning cloths at the Bewdley MPD. He'd finished his stint of loco prepping and after a shower and change of clothing he was now 'Motorbike Man'. Nice idea about the number but I don't like it.. sorry. The usual bunker first run for the first train from Kidderminster hauled by 7714 arrives at Bewdley and passes 7802 Bradley Manor The SVR is accumulating an excellent range of freight wagons. Its a shame that more use isn't made of them. GWR Small Prairie no 4566 has arrived at Bewdley LE and awaits clearance to move through to Kidderminster Late news? Through the oblong window....Rauchen verboten Even the pub at Arley had joined in the War theme My favorite shot with a dog wearing its erm Dog Tags. I saw this chap a couple of weeks ago at the GCR war weekend. Inside the airborne control room.... The staff were very keen to help me capture my photo. Arley station was well guarded A quiet moment at Arley Arley signalbox The machine gun emplacement was at the north end of Arley station... Brian caught a shot of me checking out the undies on the line... (See his website via the links) The machine gun at Arley 4566 hauls the 10.30am service from Kidderminster away from Arley Entertainment at Arley... I wish we could have stayed to enjoy....'Pardon me Boy, Is that the cat that chewed your new shoes?' At Highley GWR Pannier tank no 7714 departs towards Arley with the 11.10 from Bridgnorth. 7714 approaches the Engine House at Highley with the 11.10 from Bridgnorth 7812 Erlestoke manor at Hampton Loade At Hampton Loade 7802 Bradley Manor arrives with the 11.20 from Kidderminster 7812 Erlestoke Manor departs from Hampton Loade with the 12 Noon train from Bridgnorth 4566 heads through Hampton Loade non-stop with the ecs to form the 1.35pm from Highley 42968 crosses Hay Bridge with the 12.10 from Kidderminster After spending a pleasant few mins snoozing in the warm sunshine 7714 passes with the 1.30pm from Kidderminster 7812 Erlestoke Manor crosses Oldbury Viaduct near Daniels Mill with the 2.10pm from Kidderminster 7714 passes the hayfield on the approach to Oldbury Viaduct 7714 crosses Oldbury Viaduct with the 3.50 from Bridgnorth 4566 climbs Eardington Bank... ...with the 3.05 from Kidderminster 7812 Erlestoke Manor approaches Oldbury Viaduct with David Ward leaning out from the footplate With David Ward looking out from the footplate, 7812 Erlestoke Manor approaches Oldbury Viaduct Bradley Manor passes through Eardington Station A panning exercise with 4566 Stanier 2-6-0 Mogul no 42968 climbs towards the summit of the line at eardington with the 4.50pm from Kidderminster 42968 climbs Eardington and I must depart to get home...

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]]> Sat Jul 4 2009 Shakespeare Express 2009 - Commences operations THIS weekend. http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1719917.html I'm honoured yet again to find one of my photos gracing the cover of the 2009 Shakespeare Express leaflet. I have to say I didn't realise it was my photo until I trawled back to 5th August 2007. It was one of the shots I didn't upload to my website but sent hi-res version to the VT team. I was also a bit miffed at finding no mention of my name against the photo but I'll give RM the benefit of the doubt in forgetting to add it. The first week's SE on 5th July is scheduled to be hauled by Castle Class 4-6-0 no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe... afterwards possibly 4936 Kinlet Hall but all subject to operational change... Wednesday 1 July 2009: I'm honoured yet again to find one of my photos gracing the cover of the 2009 Shakespeare Express leaflet. I have to say I didn't realise it was my photo until I trawled back to 5th August 2007. It was one of the shots I didn't upload to my website but sent hi-res version to the VT team. I was also a bit miffed at finding no mention of my name against the photo but I'll give RM the benefit of the doubt in forgetting to add it. The first week's SE on 5th July is scheduled to be hauled by Castle Class 4-6-0 no 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe... afterwards possibly 4936 Kinlet Hall but all subject to operational change...

Hall Class no 4965 Rood Ashton Hall climbs away from Stratford up Wilmcote Bank with the afternoon run of the SE on 5th August 2007. Photoshopping out of footplate crew members was NOT done by me!

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]]> Wed Jul 1 2009 Tyseley 101 Open Day http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1718349.html Tyseley Locomotive Works was open for this weekend. In steam were two Castles, two Halls, the recently refurbished Peckett 0-4-0, GWR Pannier tank loco no 9600, the replica Locomotion from Shildon and finally making a return to its birthplace as the newest steam loco of all the Peppercorn 4-6-2 A1 Pacific no 60163 Tornado. Who's idea was it to run this Open Weekend at the same time as the Glastonbury Music festival? That guaranteed RAIN. Saturday 27 June 2009: Tyseley Locomotive Works was open for this weekend. In steam were two Castles, two Halls, the recently refurbished Peckett 0-4-0, GWR Pannier tank loco no 9600, the replica Locomotion from Shildon and finally making a return to its birthplace as the newest steam loco of all the Peppercorn 4-6-2 A1 Pacific no 60163 Tornado. Who's idea was it to run this Open Weekend at the same time as the Glastonbury Music festival? That guaranteed RAIN.

4953 Pitchford Hall gets further polishing while standing coupled to 60163 Tornado Michael was cleaning the Pitchford Hall nameplate. The reason for using the cylinder drain cocks is clearly evident in this shot. By the way I was told by the chap cleaning the smokebox door straps on 60163 that the chime whistle is an original from A4 Pacific Sea Eagle. 4953 Pitchford Hall 60163 Tornado 60163 Tornado takes water. Steve underhill (centre) 60163 takes water from the very leaky bag 4953 & 60163 4936 Kinlet Hall & 4953 Pitchford Hall - both celebrate being 80 years old this year. 4936, 7029 & 4953 4936, 7029 & 4953 The team from Beamish were patiently waiting for their loco to build up steam pressure 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe Pitchford Hall draws onto the turntable 4953 Pitchford Hall on the turntable 60163 & 4953 at Tyseley 4953 Pitchford Hall A view across the works towards the boiler of Stanier black 5 no 45305 and Fred ex K&WVR The Bloomer Project plods on.... There was a smoky atmosphere inside the works after the Peckett saddletank had moved through. Work has started on 4965 Rood Ashton Hall's 10 year overhaul. GWR Pannier tank no 7760 stands behind. Alastair Meanley brings the Peckett 0-4-0 out of the loco works hauling the Prairie tank loco no 4110.... ...but time and time again the loco simply slipped. I tried using a slow shutter speed to capture the slip here... Mainline certificated GWR Pannier tank no 9600 was operating the shuttle service 47580 County of Essex dfrops down towards the works and passes the Pecket 0-4-0 no 2004. 47580 County of Essex 5029 Nunney castle lay outside the north end of the works for most of the day. I still have wonderful memories of seeing 45543 Home Guard and 45550 on my home line between Preston & Liverpool in the early 1960's. I do hope I get to see the new build before i depart this life. 4953 moves onto the turntable 4953 Pitchford Hall is viewed by an appreciative audiance on the Tyseley turntable 4953 on the way around Michael Whitehouse cocks his shell like to hear John Kennedy. Nigel looks on. 60163 alongside 4953 60163 alongside 9600 Hi Kev... Kevin in typical shunter pose on the steps of 9600 A GWR Pannier with smoke deflectors & nameplate? What's this? Sunshine! 5029 Nunney Castle was stationery at the back of the works and I didn't get to see all three Castles lined up. 60163 Tornado in sunshine with Graham Bunker of Steam Dreams (in white shirt) on the footplate fresh from his appearance on Top Gear. 60163 alongside 45593 A study of 45593 Kolhapur Michael Whitehouse - 'Look Les, I want to see your class 86 on the shuttle service by 3o'clock 7029 & 4953 4936, 7029 & 4953 4936, 7029 & 4953 5043 moves onto the turntable Locomotion Taking it easy on Locomotion I shall be there in late September so trips on both railways are planned 60163 Tornado & 86259 Les Ross

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]]> Sat Jun 27 2009 Tyseley 101 Open Day - Preparations http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1717457.html As a member of the support team for 4953 Pitchford Hall I was down at Tyseley with my little tin of Brasso beavering away. The loco was lit up for the first time in several months. It was good to see it coming alive again. Thursday 25 June 2009: As a member of the support team for 4953 Pitchford Hall I was down at Tyseley with my little tin of Brasso beavering away. The loco was lit up for the first time in several months. It was good to see it coming alive again.

The fruits of my hard labour on the nameplate. John E polishes the safety valve bonnet 60163 Tornado was in light steam further down the yard Alongside Tornado was the replica 'Locomotion' 4936 Kinlet Hall & 7029 Clun Castle Tornado and the Ffestiniog Railway's 'Lilla' 4953 Pitchford Hall comes alive at last 45593 Kolhapur The makers plate on 45593 45593 Kolhapur Class 86 AC electric 86259 Les Ross Dr John Kennedy, owner of 4953 Pitchford hall and some of the support team members. The boiler of Stanier Black 5 no. 45305 4953 amongst the railway paraphernalia 60163 Tornado 4936 Kinlet Hall

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]]> Thu Jun 25 2009 GCR Wartime Weekend - The Trains http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1713909.html A thoroughly enjoyable day out at the Great Central railway in the company of Mike Snow. Thanks for driving me around again.... Interesting 'NEW' building at Loughborough. Don't lean against it though or you may knock it over... It was also a good opportunity to use both my cameras. The D50 now sports the Nikkor 70 - 200 while I use the D700 coupled to the 24 - 70 Nikkor. Hence the reason for duplicates of many passes. I'm assessing the reaction to both styles so if you have any 'constructive' comments please let me know. Saturday 13 June 2009: A thoroughly enjoyable day out at the Great Central railway in the company of Mike Snow. Thanks for driving me around again.... Interesting 'NEW' building at Loughborough. Don't lean against it though or you may knock it over... It was also a good opportunity to use both my cameras. The D50 now sports the Nikkor 70 - 200 while I use the D700 coupled to the 24 - 70 Nikkor. Hence the reason for duplicates of many passes. I'm assessing the reaction to both styles so if you have any 'constructive' comments please let me know.

30777 Sir Lamiel is prepared at the shed Robinson O4 no 63601 and Stanier 8F no 48305 receive attention before the days work. 48305 63601 30777 Sir Lamiel The N2 no 69523 (1744) looks resplendant in its new livery. Just the number to be applied. 69523 N2 no 69523 (1744) has had the gold lettering applied on this side only so far. N2 no 69523 (1744) has had the gold lettering applied. 2-6-4 Fairburn tank loco no 42085 stands cold in the works I found a copy of an old photo in the works that appeared to have been used in the livery scheme planning. With the paintwork still to be worked on today Alan Pakes didn't want to open the door of the works in case aphids stuck to the green paintwork. 69523 The wheels of 34046 Boscastle have recently been away for turning and reprofiling. Work continues on 73156 and 46521. 45305 awaits the return of its boiler from Tyseley. Get used to this scene. D6535 waits at Loughborough to commence its propelling service. Note the new building... The 'new' waiting room looks good doesn't it? The 4-BIG waits at Loughborough The 4-BIG waits at Loughborough. Note the somewhat temporary nature of the fencing and the half-roofed hut on the left. All film props. The GCR advertising hoarding has been uprooted and lies on the ground. 30777 Sir lamiel departs loughborough with the 10.00am to Leicester 30777 Sir lamiel departs loughborough with the 10.00am to Leicester The 4-BIG unit heads away from Loughborough with the 10.20am .... ... propelled by D6535 48305 brings the 10.00am from leicester towards loughborough 48305 with the 11.30am from leicester The 4-BIG unit en route towards Quorn 30777 heads towards Quorn with the 11.30am 30777 heads towards Quorn with the 11.30am D6535 departs Quorn with the 11.27 from Rothley Brook D6535 departs Quorn with the 11.27 from Rothley Brook 48305 with the 11.30am from Leicester Robinson O4 no 63601 gets away from Quorn on its first run of the day - the 12.55pm from Loughborough. 30777 Sir Lamiel stands at Quorn with the 1.15pm dining train 30777 Sir Lamiel departs Quorn with the 1.15pm dining train 48305 heads north from Quorn with the 1pm from Leicester... ... and provides a nice going away shot over Mike Snow's head Richard Todd takes it easy on the footplate. Yet again its a tender first shot 48305 passes one of the new signals on the approach to Rothley A GOTCHA award goes to young Jamie Steele D6535 departs Rothley Derek Winter was caught painting the signalpost at Rothley 48305 departs Rothley with the 3pm from Leicester 48305 approaches Swithland with the 3pm from Leicester At Swithland 63601 approaches with the 3pm from Loughborough 63601 trundles through Swithland with the 3pm from loughborough 30777 with the 3.45pm to Leicester 30777 with the 3.45pm to Leicester D6535 arrives at Quorn with the 3.42pm from Rothley Brook

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]]> Sat Jun 13 2009 WAR weekend at the Great Central Railway http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1711960.html This event on the GCR was by far the best I've seen. My congratulations go to all of the team involved in organising such a superb event. Saturday 13 June 2009: This event on the GCR was by far the best I've seen. My congratulations go to all of the team involved in organising such a superb event.

A fitting start to the GCR WAR weekend collection I simply had to include this shot of a field spotted a short distance down rthe track north of Quorn. Very topical and poignant. A spiv gets his collar felt. Avro Lancaster bomber PA474 appears on the horizon on its approach to Quorn. An hour earlier it was in a flypast over Buckingham Palace as part of the Queens birthday celebrations with Trooping The Colour... The sight and sound of this aeroplane and what it stands for made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. PA474 was built at Chester in 1945 and was destined for service with 'The Tiger Force' in the Far East but the war with japan ended before it went into active service. It joined the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in November 1973 after restoration at RAF Waddington. The display by PA474 took place over the adjacent farmland for safety reasons. The spiv was selling his wares from the suitcase. Winston discusses tactics with one of his advisors. The plane carrying the poppy petals makes an appearance at Quorn. Their first drop was something of a failure as the poppies probably landed on the A6! The moment of poppy release Poppy petals fluttering down Some new recruits get the wax treatment from the Sergeant Major Two lean, mean fighting machines. Nice one ladies. A general view at Quorn Interrogating a spy or chatting up the ladies? You choose. Demonstration of how to carry your gun on a bike. Winston Churchill at Loughborough Field Marshall Montgomery gives a rallying speech to his listeners at Loughborough

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]]> Sat Jun 13 2009 D-Day with Steam on the SVR - (That's D for Deluge) http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1709170.html In a depressing day of constant rain Mike Snow and I still managed to enjoy a day on the Severn valley Railway even though I failed in my attempt to limbo dance under Mikes car at one point aided by a particularly helpful stretch of muddy embankment. (Sorry for the mudmarks left in your car Mike!) I managed to find sufficient clean watery puddles to wash off the mud... However what we have come to expect at the SVR now are a greater than acceptable number of tender/bunker first runs. I've included them all here for completeness but may lose them soon. It was certainly a challenge taking photographs in the pouring rain while manipulating an umbrella. No prizes for these photos I'm afraid. Saturday 6 June 2009: In a depressing day of constant rain Mike Snow and I still managed to enjoy a day on the Severn valley Railway even though I failed in my attempt to limbo dance under Mikes car at one point aided by a particularly helpful stretch of muddy embankment. (Sorry for the mudmarks left in your car Mike!) I managed to find sufficient clean watery puddles to wash off the mud... However what we have come to expect at the SVR now are a greater than acceptable number of tender/bunker first runs. I've included them all here for completeness but may lose them soon. It was certainly a challenge taking photographs in the pouring rain while manipulating an umbrella. No prizes for these photos I'm afraid.

Ivatt 2-6-0 Mogul no 46443 heads south - tender first of course - with some empty coaching stock. Location is a few hundred yards north of Arley. I say this to alert any SVR staff to the problem of the branches, weighed down by rain placing sgnificant pressure on the redundant telephone cables. What will give first - the wires or the poles? We were led to believe by some hearty chaps scoffing their breakfast at Bewdley cafe that this train would be hauled by 7812 Erlestoke Manor. WRONG! Here GWR pannier tank loco no 7714 makes an impressive - bunker first - pass on the northbound run from Arley At a deserted Arley station 7812 Erlestoke Manor is arriving and the the single line token is handed over as it draws to a halt 7812 at Arley 7812 at Arley GWR Pannier no 5764 arrives at Arley and David ward prepares to hand over the single line token. After 5764 had gone we see 7812 Erlestoke Manor making its departure from Arley... A close up of 7812. It slipped a couple of times on the very wet rails but made a fine departure. 5764 climbs away from Bewdley around the S bends GWR small Prairie tank loco no 4566 passes the famous (but sadly spoiled by waste dumps from the railway repairs) wall at the old Dowles Junction Yet another tender first run with 7812 seen at Dowles Junction wall. 5764 hurries through Eardington station with David Ward keeping a look out. Another chimney first run at Eardington!!! 4566 powers through on the up grade towards the station and Eardington bank 7812 Erlestoke manor climbs towrds the summit of the line at Eardington... 7812 approaches... ... change of camera for the pass with 7812 We made the effort at Bewdley in the hope that the final passenger run may just be hauled chimney first.... Nope!

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]]> Sat Jun 6 2009 D-Day with D1062 Western Courier - (That's D for Diesel) http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1709086.html A convert.... Congratulations to the crew of Class 52 no D1062 Western Courier who put on a superb show in the dismal, dank, dreary rain that we all love so much in England - NOT. I was on the Severn Valley in the company of videoman Mike Snow who, as a result of my forward planning and generosity, was able to go lineside wearing my GCR hi-viz while his own was at the laundry having lumpy gravy removed. During the day I fell over with shock after hearing him utter the comment that the pass with D1062 was the best thing he'd seen all day and remarkably he has uploaded the vid to his 'Steam on the Web' site including several passes with D1062. He joined me on the platform at Bewdley before our journey home to pay his respects.... Awesome. Saturday 6 June 2009: A convert.... Congratulations to the crew of Class 52 no D1062 Western Courier who put on a superb show in the dismal, dank, dreary rain that we all love so much in England - NOT. I was on the Severn Valley in the company of videoman Mike Snow who, as a result of my forward planning and generosity, was able to go lineside wearing my GCR hi-viz while his own was at the laundry having lumpy gravy removed. During the day I fell over with shock after hearing him utter the comment that the pass with D1062 was the best thing he'd seen all day and remarkably he has uploaded the vid to his 'Steam on the Web' site including several passes with D1062. He joined me on the platform at Bewdley before our journey home to pay his respects.... Awesome.

D1062 arrives at Bewdley with the mornings first train from Kidderminster. Sheltering under the canopy was the only option. Rain was pretty heavy at this time The burbling sound of the two Maybach MD655 V-type 2 x 1,350hp engines was very nostalgic for me having enjoyed several Cornish holidays hauled by these wonderful locomotives. D1062 accelerates away from Bewdley over the viaduct Continuing the Cornish theme this could well be a Western running along one of the many Cornish branch lines... D1062 begins the descent from the highest point on the line and is seen passing the crossing keepers cottage at Eardington Further similarities with the Cornish connection is this granite stone bridge. On arrival back at Bewdley I heard the familiar sound of a Class 20 English Electric 'Chopper' - D8188. I was informed that it was acting as insurance for the Class 37 at the other end... (sadly unseen) that was on test. Just then D1062 came into view LE en route to Bridgnorth D8188 & D1062 Western Courier at Bewdley A portrait of D1062 at Bewdley Mike pays his respects to D1062 at Bewdley A final familiar Cornish scene. The milk churns on the platform await collection

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]]> Sat Jun 6 2009 D-Day with 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley (That's D for Dull) http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1708806.html Gresley A4 Pacific no 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley hauled Steam Dreams excursion from London to Chester & back today. (from Banbury on the outward journey). I arrived at Birmingham International just in time to see the arrival into platform 1 for watering the tender. I then caught a few more shots at Berkswell as the train headed south towards Coventry. Saturday 6 June 2009: Gresley A4 Pacific no 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley hauled Steam Dreams excursion from London to Chester & back today. (from Banbury on the outward journey). I arrived at Birmingham International just in time to see the arrival into platform 1 for watering the tender. I then caught a few more shots at Berkswell as the train headed south towards Coventry.

60007 arrives into platform 1 at Birmingham International the loco ran off the platform end making any further frontal shots impossible. 60007 at Birmingham international 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley passes through Berkswell... ...and a close up - Is that Graham Bunker on the footplate? ...and heads away towards Coventry. The foreground track is now a short siding but lies on the formation of the old Berkswell to Kenilworth branch.

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]]> Sat Jun 6 2009 A visit to the GCR http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1705407.html Summers arrived! With temperatures reaching a very comfortable 70+ I met up with Mike Snow again for a regular summer timetable day on the GCR. Highlights included seeing progress on N2 no 69523 and a run out for Class 33 no D6535 on the lunchtime diesel slot. Two locos in steam were 30777 Sir Lamiel and Robinson O4 no 63601. I was surprised and delighted to read and see photos in the superb GCR organ 'MAINLINE' this month of several other Robinson O4 survivors in Australia. I wonder..... My thanks again to Mike Snow for driving between locations and Linda Poole and staff at Ellis's of Rothley for an excellent sausage & bacon bap. Saturday 30 May 2009: Summers arrived! With temperatures reaching a very comfortable 70+ I met up with Mike Snow again for a regular summer timetable day on the GCR. Highlights included seeing progress on N2 no 69523 and a run out for Class 33 no D6535 on the lunchtime diesel slot. Two locos in steam were 30777 Sir Lamiel and Robinson O4 no 63601. I was surprised and delighted to read and see photos in the superb GCR organ 'MAINLINE' this month of several other Robinson O4 survivors in Australia. I wonder..... My thanks again to Mike Snow for driving between locations and Linda Poole and staff at Ellis's of Rothley for an excellent sausage & bacon bap.

On duty today was the Robinson O4 no 63601 being driven by Richard Todd assisted by ?. It is seen commencing the run around to enable it to reverse onto the ecs in platform 2 forming the 10.15am to Leicester 30777 Sir Lamiel looks stunning but was still having its coupling cleaned. 69523 is beginning to look fantastic courtesy of the patience of Alex Pakes from the Pakes Painting company. In chatting with her she said she'd be struggling to finish it in 8 days after which she heads away on holiday... She was cursing the person who decided on this very intricate livery scheme. Inside Loughborough shed. 73156 & 6990 Witherslack Hall 69523 & 42085 78019 42085 & 69523 30777 Sir Lamiel is now ready to go into service 30777 Sir Lamiel The injectors were being serviced by ? on 69523 The injectors were being serviced on 69523 The frames of Stanier black 5 no 45305 await the return of the boiler from Tyseley.... ...and two weeks ago I caught a shot of the boiler of 45305 in the yard at Tyseley A shot of 63601 seen through the bridge. 63601 departs Loughborough with the 10.15am to Leicester. With the silver birch trees here having been chopped down I tried a new location for the departure shot through Beeches Road bridge. For an alternative angle checkout Mike Bonser's website via the links 63601 heads away from Loughborough The 4-BIG unit lay in the west siding south of Loughborough Network Rail are using the GCR for testing these track/point carriers. If they prove to be succesful then their use could save millions in future track laying operations on the big railway. A new class08 diesel has arrived on the GCR. D5185 lay over in the east siding at Loughborough The morning DMU service from Leicester arrives back at Loughborough 30777 Sir Lamiel commences the run around in glorious sunshine... ... and reverses back onto the carriages in the station The DMU set moves out of the platform to be put back in the sidings 30777 Sir lamiel is prepared ready to haul the 11.15 from Loughborough 30777 heads through Woodthorpe with the 11.15 service. At Rothley 63601 has arrived on a driver experience run One of the 3 wagons destined for use on the Mountsorrel Branchline is receiving attention. Theres clearly a lot of work and wood needed here! 63601 departs Rothley on its way towards Leicester light engine 63601 runs past the Rothley golfcourse on its way back to Loughborough The driver of the 12.15 diesel hauled service with the NRM owned Class 33 no D6535 put on a brilliant display for us on the climb away from Rothley. In fact this was the best exhaust we saw all afternoon! A study in concentration... Inside the C & W works at Rothley D6535 hurries back from Leicester with the 1pm and is seen having passed Rabbit bridge. There was an almost clear blue sky as 30777 Sir Lamiel rounded the corner at Kinchley Lane with the 1.15pm dining train. But you can see the shadow of the ONLY cloud in the sky immediately in front of the loco. Sods Law rules again. With Mike driving again we were able to race around to Swithland in order to catch another shot of the dining train after its stop on the viaduct. I managed to avoid the inclusion of the blue plastic fencing (WHY is it BLUE?) in this shot. (See my last trip here on 9th May) My favorite spot on the line when I travel on the trains is this - running across the Swithland viaduct. It was so hot that there isn't a trace of exhaust from 63601 as it pulls the 2.15pm service to Leicester. Sir Lamiel south of Woodthorpe bridge with the 3.15pm from Loughborough At Quorn the engine was running on 37255 but it didn't appear to be going anywhere. A question? WHY is there such a big gap in the regular afternoon timetable? The trains run at hourly intervals until 3.15 then the next is 4.45. However this service was running late which meant that I waited at the trackside for almost the whole of the FA Cup final.

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]]> Sat May 30 2009 And now for something completely different... http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1703077.html Saturday was an amazing day at Wellesbourne.... checkout the Vulcan XM655 MaPS website in my 'Other Galleries' listing. Saturday 23 May 2009: Saturday was an amazing day at Wellesbourne.... checkout the Vulcan XM655 MaPS website in my 'Other Galleries' listing.

Vulcan XM655 begins its slow trip down the main runway at Wellesbourne Mountford airfield.

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]]> Sat May 23 2009 From the Archives - Southport Steam Specials 1986 http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1701127.html Following on from my previous archive images from 1985 uploaded in August 2008 here is the following years excursions from Manchester to Southport in 1986 hauled by Stanier Jubilee class loco no 45593 Kolhapur. Thursday 21 May 2009: Following on from my previous archive images from 1985 uploaded in August 2008 here is the following years excursions from Manchester to Southport in 1986 hauled by Stanier Jubilee class loco no 45593 Kolhapur.

45593 Kolhapur crosses the bridge at Warpers Moss Lane just to the east of Burscough with the 1st excursion of the day from Manchester in the pouring rain. These runs were sponsored by the local Southport newspaper - 'The Visitor' and consisted of a morning run to Southport, a tender first run back to Wigan Wallgate, with a run round and back to Southport then finally after being turned on the Southport Steamport museums turntable there was the final run back to Manchester. 45593 Kolhapur crosses the moss towards Southport on the return from Wigan Wallgate. A shot taken from my back garden in Bescar Lane across the farm fields of West Lancashire. 45593 is headed towards Southport with the final run from Manchester and has just passed through Bescar Lane Station. 45593 Kolhapur passes through Bescar Lane station towards Manchester with the final trip of the day. I nipped down the road from my home to catch this shot thinking that there wouldn't be anybody about. How wrong was I!. The fotters were in a semi-circle across the platform and I really thought I would miss out. However I politely asked if i could sit in front and got a mumbled OK. In fact this was perfect and for many years this was my best-ever photograph. Everything has changed here ... The crossing has been modernised to lifting barriers, the signalbox and semaphore signal have gone and the station platform on the Southport direction has been relocated to the far side of the crossing to avoid traffic hold ups on the crossing. Not that there is much traffic apart from tractors to the farmhouses on Martin Mere - Greenings Farm and White House Farm etc...

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]]> Thu May 21 2009 Duchess of Hamilton http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1699351.html My Congratulations to Bob Meanley and the Tyseley Locomotive Works staff on the completion of the re-streamlining of LMS Coronation Pacific no 6229 Duchess of Hamilton. It is a remarkeable achievement and fills a huge void in the history of steam lcomotive development. Now when is it's first steaming date? Betcha thought there were more recent pics here!! Gotcha. Saturday 16 May 2009: My Congratulations to Bob Meanley and the Tyseley Locomotive Works staff on the completion of the re-streamlining of LMS Coronation Pacific no 6229 Duchess of Hamilton. It is a remarkeable achievement and fills a huge void in the history of steam lcomotive development. Now when is it's first steaming date? Betcha thought there were more recent pics here!! Gotcha.

Sir William Stanier's masterpiece 4-6-2 Coronation Pacific no 46229 Duchess of Hamilton photographed in about 1977 at York's then brand new National Railway Museum. I found it quite a sad place to see so many stuffed and mounted locomotives in locations that were not conducive to clean photos. Around the turntable at York NRM Around the turntable at York NRM Around the turntable at York NRM Around the turntable at York NRM Around the turntable at York NRM

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]]> Sat May 16 2009 40th Anniversary Gala at The Great Central Railway http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1695425.html This gala had everything...4 x steam, 2 x diesels + DMU, Passenger trains, local service, an express, restaurant dining service together with the mineral wagon train and a mixed freight. There was even a beer tent at Quorn. So where was everybody? Thanks to Mike Snow again for racing around to each location. Mike was also back to struggling with his Sony HD vidcam again after repairs and I was appalled at the language he was using. I learnt some new swear words! Checkout his vid of the days gala via the link. Saturday 9 May 2009: This gala had everything...4 x steam, 2 x diesels + DMU, Passenger trains, local service, an express, restaurant dining service together with the mineral wagon train and a mixed freight. There was even a beer tent at Quorn. So where was everybody? Thanks to Mike Snow again for racing around to each location. Mike was also back to struggling with his Sony HD vidcam again after repairs and I was appalled at the language he was using. I learnt some new swear words! Checkout his vid of the days gala via the link.

A freshly refurbished carriage straight out of Rothley C&W works John Kennedy's Prairie tank loco no 4141 has received weatherproofing and the white smokebox door bands have been re-painted black. 48305 78019 & 63601 78019 & 63601 stand at Loughborough shed 78019 & 48305 63601 The 08 shunter D4067 'Jocko' has shunted the ecs into the platform for the first train. A portrait of D4067 - the mobile diesel pump. 48305 reverses into the siding. 48305 awaits its first duty The DMU departs Loughborough with the 9.45am to Leicester Richard looks out from the Standard 2 78019 as he brings it back onto the carriages at Loughborough 48305 & 78019 48305 then headed south light engine. 78019 departs Loughborough with the 10.15am to Leicester D5401 moves towards Loughborough with the TPO set after being held at the signals. 63601 departs Loughborough with the mineral wagons The DMU approaches Loughborough with the 10.15 from Leicester Peak diesel D123 couples up to the green set in the sidings while Mike and I hurried back to the car to move to Quorn. The first TPO (Travelling Post Office) run was hauled by 30777 Sir lamiel. The train is seen entering Quorn station and accelerating towards the maildrop point 48305 departs north with the mineral wagons. D5401 arrives at Quorn light engine and is signalled into the quorn sidings. Richard Todd keeps a lookout for the signal to depart Quorn as D123 arrives with the 11.15 from Loughborough D123 arrives at Quorn from Loughborough As D123 heads south towards Leicester D5401 stands in the sidings. D5401 brings the freight out of the sidings and crosses to the down line for the run to Loughborough The breakdown train heads towards Loughborough. After an exchange with John pepper it appears that this train was a re-enactment of the track lifting train that was used to lift the track back in the 60's. Well done to the GCR for putting this idea into reality. BTW No they did NOT actually lift the track! Sign of the times. Buses taking over from trains? No! Its the shuttle bus to take passeners to the Mountsorrel branchline 78019 approaches Kinchley lane bridge with the mineral wagons. Filming as they go...30777 Sir Lamiel approaches Kinchley lane bridge from the south 63601 at Kinchley Lane with the 12.15 from Loughborough After a rapid drive back from the mainline at Cossington after viewing Oliver Cromwell hauling the Steam Dreams Palatine excursion a sprint down the track enabled us to see 30777 Sir Lamiel with the 1pm non stop express from Loughborough to Leicester A conversion to b&w to hide the blue fencing (don't do that) shows 63601 with the mixed freight. 30777 Sir Lamiel at Rabbit Bridge on the mineral train 63601 runs away from Swithland with the returning mineral empties. D5401 is seen at Rabbit Bridge Peak diesel D123 heads north from Swithland This must be the most unusual locomotive pairing I've ever seen on the GCR. 48305 and 78019 tender to tender. I guess it was simply a positioning move. Did this sort of thing occur on the big railway? D5401 couples up to the TPO set at Quorn... ... and draws away towards Loughborough The mailbags are being prepared for the next TPO run Anglia liveried Class 47 no 47714 lies at Quorn 63601 at Quorn with the minerals. Another b&w conversion due to more blue fencing. Diesel heaven? 30777 Sir Lamiel hauls the 4.25 from Loughborough towards Quorn 48305 arrives at Quorn with the minerals and will soon set back into the sidings D123 flies through with the TPO as 48305 propells the mineral wagons into the sidings assisted by Jamie Steele as guard. 48305 finishes the reversing manouvre

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]]> Sat May 9 2009 Oliver Cromwell hauls The Palatine http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1695333.html A short trip over to Cossington from the GCR at lunchtime allowed a couple of shots of Oliver Cromwell heading north up the Midland mainline. However checkout Hi-Viz man spoiling everybodies shots. Saturday 9 May 2009: A short trip over to Cossington from the GCR at lunchtime allowed a couple of shots of Oliver Cromwell heading north up the Midland mainline. However checkout Hi-Viz man spoiling everybodies shots.

On arrival at the bridge it was pretty full of angry photographers due to the selfish actions of one guy... Can you see him? Of course you can. He's the one in the hi-viz. The location appears to be a legitimate public footpath crossing but WHY does he have to wear hi-viz? 70013 Oliver Cromwell passes heading north at Cossington with Steam Dreams 'The Palatine'

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]]> Sat May 9 2009 A trip to the Isle of Wight http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1692950.html With a Bank Holiday break away in Portsmouth it would have been rude not to have taken a trip over to the Isle of Wight. The story continues.... Monday 4 May 2009: With a Bank Holiday break away in Portsmouth it would have been rude not to have taken a trip over to the Isle of Wight. The story continues....

Once over on the island we had a short wait at Ryde Pier Head for the first train to arrive. The service utilises ex London Underground trains. Here the two car unit arrives at the Pier Head at the end of Ryde's pier. Although the track remains in place only the r/h track was in use from Ryde Esplanade. After taking a break in Ryde during which we spotted the actress Celia Imrie it was back to Ryde Esplanade station to catch the train to Smallbrook junction. This was scheduled in the timetable to connect with the steam train on the service through Havenstreet to Wootton. However our electric train went sailing through Smallbrook Junction station without stopping. We questioned the conductor/guard who examined his timetable and then spoke to the driver via the intercom. All he could do was shrug his shoulders. We decided to continue to Shanklin and abandoned plans to take a steam train ride. On arrival at Shanklin the conductor/guard went to the front and I heard the driver saying 'it's no use telling me after the train has gone through the station' Well my question is 'Who's responsibility is it? The driver or the guard?' The driver appeared quite amused by it all. I wasn't!. On leaving the station there was a mini cab standing by. So we hopped in and asked the driver to drive to Havenstreet and don't spare the horses....£14.40 later we reached Havenstreet On arrival at Havenstreet. A £5 ticket each enabled us to travel on the last train back to Smallbrook Junction. D2554 was on display at Havenstreet. British Railways Class 05 No D2554. Initially allocated to Parkeston Quay in 1956, this locomotive remained on the Eastern Region of British Railways until 1966 when transfer to the Southern Region was followed by modifications to the cab height to enable it to be accommodated by the restricted loading gauge of the Isle of Wight railways. Arriving at Ryde Shed on 7 June 1966 she was intended to power engineering trains in connection with the electrification of the Ryde Pier Head to Shanklin line and for maintenance trains thereafter. The locomotive was christened 'Nuclear Fred' by the Islands railway staff, a name that has followed to the Steam Railway to which it was transferred on 23 August 1984. 'Nuclear Fred' is in full working order although lack of train air brake equipment confines it to works train and demonstration goods train duties. My last visit to the railway was over 20 years ago and I recall being rather frustrated that time about not being able to take clean photos of the locos. Its a shame that the works building is out of bounds. I would have liked to have seen and photographed the Ivatt tank locos in the shed. Tucked away alongside the carriage shed in a very non-photogenic location was ex WD saddletank loco no 92 Waggoner Inside the carriage works was W24 Calbourne which is midway through major overhaul. The boiler has been refurbished at Crewe at a cost, so several members of staff said, of over £350,000. ex WD Long Marston 0-6-0 saddletank no 198 Royal Engineer arrives at Havenstreet with the to Smallbrook Junction Built for the Ministry of Defence in 1953, WD198 did not enter service until 1956 at the General Stores Sub-Depot at Steventon, moving to Central Ordnance Depot, Bicester in 1958 and finally to HQ Engineer Resources at Long Marston in 1961. Following a long period in store she was restored to working order and given the name 'Royal Engineer' in 1971. A further overhaul followed in 1987/88 and, when withdrawn from service in 1991, she was the last operational steam locomotive owned by the Army. 'Royal Engineer' was part of a collection of railway items acquired by the Royal Corps of Transport Museum Trust for eventual display at a new museum under development at Chatham. As an interim measure 'Royal Engineer' was placed on loan to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway and, following the fitting of Westinghouse air brake equipment, was put to work on passenger services. In 2001 direct responsibility for the care of the locomotive passed to the National Army Museum who confirmed the loan agreement. WD198 can be seen at Havenstreet alongside sister engine Army No.92 'Waggoner', which arrived on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway in February 2005. In May 2008 the National Army Museum transferred the ownership of both Army locomotives to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. The loco takes water at Havenstreet. Two other locos were cold outside the works. 0-6-0 side tank loco Ajax and 0-4-0 saddletank Invincible A feature of the railway is the excellent condition of its wooden bodied carriages. The main station and museum building at Havenstreet used to be the gasworks! Ex WD no 198 Royal Engineer awaits the signals to continue towards Smallbrook Junction from Havenstreet. Next task after watering was topping up the air pump with oil. Ajax stands at Havenstreet This looks very much like a tender from an Ivatt 2-6-0. In fact on further research it is the tender from 46447 that arrived on the island along with two Ivatt tank locos in August 2006. The boiler is in poor condition so will only be restored cosmetically after the two Ivatt tank locos are completed. 198 Royal Engineer runs around at Smallbrook Junction Th adjacent electric railway can be seen in this view as 198 continues its run around. Ex WD no 198 Royal Engineer couples up to the stock at Smallbrook Junction to form the 16.19 to Wootton The last steam train of the day departs Smallbrook Junction towards Havenstreet and Wootton On arrival at Ryde Pier Head and we walked straight onto the Fast cat boat back to Portsmouth. Journey time 18 minutes.

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]]> Mon May 4 2009 A trip to the Severn Valley Railway http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1691342.html When looking at these photos it would be difficult to tell that Saturday was quite a pleasant sunny day. The fact is that every time a train approached the sun disappeared only to return 2 minutes later. Sod's Law AGAIN. Thanks to Mike Snow for racing up and down the valley and risking life and limb with numpty drivers in doing so. Work in Progress. Saturday 2 May 2009: When looking at these photos it would be difficult to tell that Saturday was quite a pleasant sunny day. The fact is that every time a train approached the sun disappeared only to return 2 minutes later. Sod's Law AGAIN. Thanks to Mike Snow for racing up and down the valley and risking life and limb with numpty drivers in doing so. Work in Progress.

On arrival at Bewdley Stanier Mogul no 42968 was just arriving light engine from Bridgnorth Over on the depot Prairie tank loco no 4566 was getting a blow up from the support crew. A busy scene at Bewdley as 7802 Bradley Manor arrives with the 9.50am from Kidderminster while 4566 and 42968 await their first duties. 42968 prepares to continue to Kidderminster light engine. Bradley Manor departs Bewdley across the viaduct 7802 Bradley Manor climbs away from the speed restriction at Hay Bridge with the 9.50am from Kidderminster An unusual bug spotted near Daniels Mill We were prepared for a shot at Daniels Mill in case 71000 had been turned for its final few runs. Here 71000 approaches the viaduct at Daniels Mill with the 11am first train of the day from Bridgnorth Next up was Erlestoke manor crossing the viaduct at Daniels mill with the 10.25 from Kidderminster Back at Hay Bridge we were enjoying the sunshine on the bluebells up until the train appeared. yet again the sun hid itself. Prairie tank loco no 4566 hauls the 11.05 from Kidderminster 7812 Erlestoke Manor rounds the curve at Little Rock with the 12.30 from Bridgnorth On the way back to the car at Hay Bridge I caught a shot of Stanier mogul no 42968 hauling a charter with the Shrewsbury saloon. 71000 Duke of Gloucester climbs towards the summit of the line up Eardington bank and is seen passing the crossing keepers cottage The charter was next to pass with 42968 On the lower slopes of Eardington Bank 7802 Bradley Manor makes a fine sight and sound as it hauls the 1.20 from Kidderminster At Highley 7812 Erlestoke Manor approaches the station as it passes the officially open Engine House. A portrait of 7812 Erlestoke manor at Highley Station. The bobby in the box at Highley. 71000 Duke of Gloucester arrives with the 2.45 from Bridgnorth. The fireman prepares to hand over the single line token. The new footbridge at Highley is beginning to take shape. The crew of 71000 is exchanging the single line token with the bobby. Prairie tank loco no 4566 departs from Highley and really exhibited its rock n roll characteristics. Check out Mike Snows video to see what I mean. Follow the links Another panning practice with the departure of 7802 Bradley Manor 42968 brings the Shrewsbury saloon towards Highley on its second run 71000 Duke of Gloucester attacks the departure from Bewdley The final shot for today with 71000climbing away from the speed restriction towards Hay Bridge.

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]]> Sat May 2 2009 Steel, Steam & Stars II - Llangollen part 2 http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1688599.html My second visit to Llangollen this time with my wife enabled a few more shots in sunshine of 46100 Royal Scot with smoke deflectors re-fitted. She also recorded the cacophony of the 10 steam loco finale at Carrog (see link below right) before we headed back to Llangollen on board the 9 carriage special hauled by Royal Scot. To finish we enjoyed an excellent meal at the Llangollen Corn Mill Restaurant washed down with a pint of Voodoo! My thanks and congratulations to the staff, volunteers, loco owners etc. who all contributed to this successful MEGA Gala. Sunday 26 April 2009: My second visit to Llangollen this time with my wife enabled a few more shots in sunshine of 46100 Royal Scot with smoke deflectors re-fitted. She also recorded the cacophony of the 10 steam loco finale at Carrog (see link below right) before we headed back to Llangollen on board the 9 carriage special hauled by Royal Scot. To finish we enjoyed an excellent meal at the Llangollen Corn Mill Restaurant washed down with a pint of Voodoo! My thanks and congratulations to the staff, volunteers, loco owners etc. who all contributed to this successful MEGA Gala.

On our arrival at Llangollen the first loco to be seen was the immaculate LNER B1 no 61306 Mayflower. The delayed 9.30am departure from Llangollen is seen climbing away from the terminus with 46100 Royal Scot piloted by 246 Morayshire A close up of the smoke deflectors that were re-fitted to 46100 during the week. Hidden away at the back of the shed yard was the scrapyard condition loco no 2859 Inside the works are two GWR Prairie tank locos alongside Betton Grange Back at Llangollen Prairie tank no 5199 is seen departing with the 10am to Carrog Mayflower moves forwards to take water at the column The double-headed arrival of GWR pannier tank no 6430 & small Prairie tank loco no 5526 6430 at Llangollen 5526 at Llangollen 6430 & 61306 61306 Mayflower departs Llangollen with the 10.30 to Carrog A view across the River Dee towards the picturesque Llangollen station where 3440 City of Truro has just arrived 3440 City of Truro moves forwards through the station at Llangollen to take water. I had to move fast to catch a departure shot of the train that had brought us to Berwyn. The LMS double-header of 44806 (running as 44801) and 46100 Royal Scot depart Berwyn in fine style. Dukedog no 9017 arrives at Berwyn and time for us to climb aboard. 9017 awaits the whistle from the guard at Glyndyfrdwy After a short walk we arrived at a pleasant location on the final curve before Glyndyfrdwy station. I had to catch another shot of this remarkeable example of model engineering. The proper Crimson lake parallel boilered 6100 Royal Scot. We were hauled back to Llangollen by 9017. We waited here at Deeside Halt for ages for the single line access. Back at Llangollen I was delighted to see Royal Scot. I had been disappointed that both its scheduled services today were as train engine inside double header pairings. When i heard that it was about to haul the ecs out of the station this was my only chance. 46100 Royal Scot & 9017 at Llangollen 46100 Royal Scot prepares to depart with an ecs trip Dukedog no 9017 looks just right in this shot as it takes water at Llangollen Departure of 46100 Royal scot with the ecs working Dukedog 4-4-0 no 9017 at Llangollen 5643 has replenished its tanks and was on the run around... Time to get on board the Observation car A shot from inside the Observation car as 5643 approaches V E R Y slowly to buffer up. This was to be a top n tail job. At Carrog the narrow guage loco Irish Mail was running up and down on its demonstration line. This loco normally runs on a line very close to where I was brought up - The west lancashire Light railway - but i must admit that I've never been there! This loco is actually a 1903 built 0-4-0ST and ran at Dinorwic Slate Quarries at Llanberis 5643 shunts the Observation car into a siding at Carrog..... ... then hurriedly ran back to its playmates waiting in the station ... As a rake of locos departed eastwards the gathering black storm clouds were causing some concern. With rain pouring down there we were stuck in the middle of a field in Wales! BUT.... ...40 minutes later and with the most amazing timing - the SUN came out... ...and provided a glorious end to this spectacular Gala..

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]]> Sun Apr 26 2009 Steel, Steam & Stars II at Llangollen. http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1684490.html A visit to the Llangollen Railway for the Mega (their word) 9 day gala. I was accompanied by Ace fotter Brian Burrows who's photos will no doubt be far better than mine..... Star for today for me simply has to be the sight of 46100 Royal Scot for the first time in 45 years! I was very much against the Crimson lake livery and had vowed to convert all images to b&w in protest but I cannot do it. The loco looks superb in Crimson Lake. Saturday 18 April 2009: A visit to the Llangollen Railway for the Mega (their word) 9 day gala. I was accompanied by Ace fotter Brian Burrows who's photos will no doubt be far better than mine..... Star for today for me simply has to be the sight of 46100 Royal Scot for the first time in 45 years! I was very much against the Crimson lake livery and had vowed to convert all images to b&w in protest but I cannot do it. The loco looks superb in Crimson Lake.

First view we saw was of GWR Prairie tank no 5199 and 246 Morayshire Out of action inside Llangollen shed was 7822 Foxcote Manor The superb sight of 46100 Royal Scot at Llangollen... I vowed to always convert images of Royal Scot to Black & White on the basis that it should NOT be in Crimson Lake... Maybe I'm softening... just a bit 44801 & 246 Morayshire It was a pleasant surprise to find 46100 Royal Scot without smoke deflectors. 246 Morayshire & 44801 246 Morayshire and 44806 (renumbered as 44801) Atmosphere down at Llangollen shed John Kennedy gave us a cheery wave as he moved away from the shed area with the autotrain sandwich. Between the two coaches was the Llangollen based pannier tank loco no 6430 6430 heads away to the shed exit in its Autotrain sandwich The always immaculate 61306 Mayflower An arty relection shot at Llangollen shed 80072 was being restored inside Llangollen works This is what it was all about 6880 Betton Grange taking shape. 6880 Betton grange and Prairie tank loco no 5532 Also inside the works was the power bogie for the steam railcar project from Didcot. 246 Morayshire stands at the shed exit for its first call to duty 246 Morayshire The Dukedog no 9017 has now been painted black and heads away towards Carrog with the slightly delayed 8am departure. Did Pete waterman ramble on too long? At Llangollen the RVP restored Observation car was attached at the back of the 9am departure.. After paying our supplement I finally viewed the interior. This carriage is normally located on the GCR. This was my first look inside. With a shot straight into the sunshine through the dirty windows... 246 Morayshire reversed onto the stock in Llangollen station 246 Morayshire prepares to leave Llangollen with The Flying Scotsman (Egh???) The observation car at Llangollen The observation car at Llangollen 46100 Royal Scot slowly climbs Camden Bank away from Euston with The Royal Scot - well we can dream can't we? (BTW this was taken through the very dirty rear window of the observation carriage and into the sun... I'm quite pleased with the end result after all the work I had to do on it!) Morayshire pulls away from Berwyn Next train through Berwyn was the freight with 44801 banked by 5199 46100 Royal scot powers through Berwyn with the express to Carrog Next arrival at Berwyn was the autotrain with 6430 Inside the autotrain The driver, John kennedy, slowly brings our train across the River Dee 3440 City of Truro awaits adjacent to the signalbox for the signal to head towards Berwyn Dukedog no 9017 at Llangollen 9017 and the River Dee John was on the footplate of 6430 for the return to carrog 5199 brings the freight towards Llangollen 44801 & 46100 Royal Scot cross the Dee bridge 9017 crosses the River Dee 246 Morayshire departs Llangollen with the freight 44801 with a blue Scottish smokebox numberplate stands at Llangollen 46100 Royal Scot at Llangollen

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]]> Sat Apr 18 2009 Easter Monday - GWR Prairie tank loco no 4141 bows out. http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1683267.html With its 10 year boiler certificate expiring in a weeks time 4141 gave its final steaming today at the Great Central Railway Tank Engine Gala. On the railway to drive the loco for its final afternoon hauling passengers was loco owner John Kennedy. Late addition: Checkout my minivid of a footplate ride from Loughborough to Quorn on 4141 during its last day of operation. No great masterpiece but pretty unusual. Monday 13 April 2009: With its 10 year boiler certificate expiring in a weeks time 4141 gave its final steaming today at the Great Central Railway Tank Engine Gala. On the railway to drive the loco for its final afternoon hauling passengers was loco owner John Kennedy. Late addition: Checkout my minivid of a footplate ride from Loughborough to Quorn on 4141 during its last day of operation. No great masterpiece but pretty unusual.

My first shot this morning was taken at Woodthorpe Bridge where 41241 makes a fine site hauling the *** from Loughborough On arrival at Loughborough I caught this shot of the 08 shunter propelling 63601 through the station. Up at 5am to clean and prepare the loco, Michael deserves a shot in my collection. 4141 was standing at platform 1 but I was fortunate to be allowed a footplate trip as it ran around to be coupled to the stock. On the footplate of 4141 Albert, thedriver, prepares to reverse the loco back towards Loughborough during the run around 4141 awaits departure with the 12.06pm to Leicester. On closer inspection I've just spotted Michael climbing out after coupling the loco up to the stock. 69621 from 4141 At Quorn a new Class 47 diesel has arrived in Anglia livery Fireman Chris, looks out across Swithland reservoir Chris tops up the fire on 4141 4141 at Leicester North Leicester North Fairburn 2-6-4 tank loco no 42085 is now in pristine condition after its repaint and replacement of the side water tanks. 42085 & 69523 4141 passes Kinchley Lane At Rothley the parcels office under the staircase looks busy but who's false teeth are on the shelf? 42085 30777 Sir Lamiel & 48305 inside Loughborough shed Loco owner John Kennedy and footplate crew member Michael Brent stand with 4141 prior to its final run to Leicester. 4141 approaches Swithland viaduct 4141 takes its penultimate trip across Swithland viaduct. In my opinion this is the most picturesque stretch of the GCR. Loco owner John Kennedy was on the stick today 4141 approaches the carriages at Leicester for its final run The departure of 4141 from Rothley on its very last run to Loughborough After a chase across country I arrived at Loughborough just in time to catch a shot of 4141 arriving at Loughborough station Michael Brent - A happy finale to an eventful day. John gives us a friendly wave as he reverses his loco back to Loughborough shed for the last time. 4141 at Loughborough

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]]> Mon Apr 13 2009 A damp Easter Saturday at The GCR Tank Engine Gala http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1681419.html Saturday dawned overcast yet again. As I drove eastwards to Loughborough the clouds got heavier and greyer and rain fell in spits and spots almost all day. The Gala though was excellent with good performances from 4141, 41241 from the K&WVR and 69621 from the North Norfolk Railway. I must thank Mike Snow who drove Brian Burrows, Martyn Tattam and I around in his brand new car and appeared unperturbed by our muddy boots and his lack of car mats in the back! I'll buy a Big Issue from Chris P next time and lay it on the floor in the back. OK? Saturday 11 April 2009: Saturday dawned overcast yet again. As I drove eastwards to Loughborough the clouds got heavier and greyer and rain fell in spits and spots almost all day. The Gala though was excellent with good performances from 4141, 41241 from the K&WVR and 69621 from the North Norfolk Railway. I must thank Mike Snow who drove Brian Burrows, Martyn Tattam and I around in his brand new car and appeared unperturbed by our muddy boots and his lack of car mats in the back! I'll buy a Big Issue from Chris P next time and lay it on the floor in the back. OK?

Wearing some white painted adornments for its final weekend of running before its boiler tcket expires was JFK's Prairie tank loco no 4141. 4141 stands ready to go with the days first service to Leicester. Daffodils were used to try and brighten up this dismal overcast day. 41241 runs through the loop line towards picking up the stock from the sidings and is seen passing 4141. GWR Prairie tank loco no 4141 departs Loughborough with the 9.44am to Leicester. I was saddened to find all the silver birch trees chopped down here. Were they causing problems in the autumn with their leaves? It has exposed the flats again and changed one of my favorite classic locations. 41241 propels the ecs back towards the station at Loughborough. The LNER tank loco no 69523 stands in light steam outside Loughborough works The cab of 69523 shows pressure on the gauge On the footplate of 69523 On the footplate of 69523 On the footplate of 69523 Inside Loughborough works were 8F no 48305, King Arthur 4-6-0 no 30777 Sir Lamiel and Stanier black 5 no 45305. The 2-6-4T Fairburn tank no 42085 has received its final painting but had been shunted back into the shed when I arrived. It was standing alongside 48305. 48305 & 42085 41241, 78019 & 69523 The backside of the GCR's new office building. As seen from platform 2 at Loughborough. The same style of architecture as the station building is very noticeable on the upper elements of the structure. 4141 arrives back at Loughborough

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]]> Sat Apr 11 2009 A wet Good Friday at the Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1680173.html Message to Graham Briggs (By Appointment to HRH EdH provider of stunning horizons and image enhancement backgrounds) : - Could I place an order for 2 x Blue Skys, a couple of stunning exhaust emmissions and could you check with Gordon to see if he's got some of those white fluffy clouds with the sun from the left please? Usual terms of purchase - I need them urgently to put some life into todays shots.... Friday 10 April 2009: Message to Graham Briggs (By Appointment to HRH EdH provider of stunning horizons and image enhancement backgrounds) : - Could I place an order for 2 x Blue Skys, a couple of stunning exhaust emmissions and could you check with Gordon to see if he's got some of those white fluffy clouds with the sun from the left please? Usual terms of purchase - I need them urgently to put some life into todays shots....

In steam for today was outside frame 4-4-0 no 3440 City of Truro... ... and ex GWR 0-6-2 tank loco no 5619 City of Truro awaits a top up of coal before commencing duties. 5619 takes water at Toddington. A huge water tank that was standing on its side outside the works will soon be installed adjacent to the footbridge at Toddington on the original foundations. The original water pipes have also been located that will be service two new water columns at each end of the station. This water tank will then be relocated. 5619 has coupled to the stock and awaits the signal to depart. Time for me to move on... My first shot of 5619 was taken at Didbrook..... ... after a rapid drive I captured a shot of the train crossing the road after Chicken Curve on the approach to Winchcombe... ... a third shot was captured of 5619 on the departure from Winchcombe. I'd legged it along the embankment for this one.... ... and finally 5619 heads away towards Greet tunnel. At Winchcombe development work has commenced on the construction of a waiting room/store on the far platform. The foundations only took a week to install once work had started. See the plans later on in the collection. To the rear of the Winchcombe signalbox a site meeting was taking place. This area has been a bit of a dumping ground for railway equiment but it is now to be used as an extension to the sidings to the rear of the carriage works for additional stock purchases. The fire has been lit in David Shepherd's 9F no 92203 Black Prince

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]]> Fri Apr 10 2009 Barrow Hill 2 - LNER Gala http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1678417.html A further selection of images from the LNER Steam Gala. Barrow Hill is unique in retaining the original roundhouse. The atmoshere within the shed brings with it huge nostalgia and memories of my many visits to Lostock Hall, Aintree, Edge Hill, Chester and Crewe North sheds when I was a lad in the 60's. I've included a series of dark images to try and capture that atmosphere. Saturday 4 April 2009: A further selection of images from the LNER Steam Gala. Barrow Hill is unique in retaining the original roundhouse. The atmoshere within the shed brings with it huge nostalgia and memories of my many visits to Lostock Hall, Aintree, Edge Hill, Chester and Crewe North sheds when I was a lad in the 60's. I've included a series of dark images to try and capture that atmosphere.

Is this a wind up? The key was inserted in the side of A4 no 60009 and was vigourously turned. Slowly the locos Cods-Mouth began to open. The top section of the Cods Mouth is now open on 60009 ...and finally after removal of the headboard the lower section was opened up 60007, 60163 & 60532 60009 & 60532 A bit of action as the smokebox was opened on 60532 Blue peter for the lighting of some oily rags while The Coronation headboard was removed as a request from a spectator for the White Rose board to be fitted. 60532 & 60007 60009, 60532 & 60007 Semaphore signalling - Part 1 Semaphore signalling - Part 2 5 years ago this would have been done by a man! 60532 Blue Peter & 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley. Both in steam? 60163 & 60164 stand side by side 62660 Butler-Henderson 62660 Butler-Henderson 45110 Robinson O4 2-8-0 no 63601 with the RH&DR no 60164 Typhoon. 63601 reverses into the shed area 60163 Tornado was receiving a constant flow of visitors onto the footplate 60009 Union of South Africa departs on one of the many shuttle services The Vision and Determination of Realising the dream has paid off. The two ex GCR locos stand together. 63601 and 62660 62660 Butler-Henderson A series of atmospheric shots inside the roundhouse....

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]]> Sat Apr 4 2009 Barrow Hill 1 - LNER Gala http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1677267.html This Steam Gala was not to be missed. A gathering of many of the remaining LNER Pacifics together with the newly built star - A1 no 60163 Tornado. I was accompanied by Mike Snow whose hair changed during the day from white through to sooty black. Indeed the swirling wind will have given the likes of Persil and Oxydol a small fortune in laundry costs. Black is the new White. Saturday 4 April 2009: This Steam Gala was not to be missed. A gathering of many of the remaining LNER Pacifics together with the newly built star - A1 no 60163 Tornado. I was accompanied by Mike Snow whose hair changed during the day from white through to sooty black. Indeed the swirling wind will have given the likes of Persil and Oxydol a small fortune in laundry costs. Black is the new White.

Before getting into Barrow Hill I had to do a spot of fieldwork. Robinson GCR/LNER O4 2-8-0 no 63601 stands alongside 'Improved Director' Class D11 no 62660 Butler-Henderson New build Peppercorn A1 Pacific no 60163 stands on the Barrow Hill roundhouse turntable 0-6-0T 1F no 41708 - A rare survivor of this diminutive class of shunting locos. The nameplate of A1 no 60163 Tornado with the naming details by TRH The Prince of Wales & The Duchess of Cornwall 60163 Tornado receives its final polish before it departs the roundhouse. - Note to organisers. Why do the cleaners HAVE to wear hi-viz in so many inappropriate places? The loco was clearly not going anywhere and there was no danger of another locomotive 'hitting' anybody. The gala was essentially a photo opportunity so please lets not have any more unnecessary use of hi-viz. The first of several line-ups. Gresley A4 nos 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley and 60009 Union of South Africa flank Peppercorn A2 no 60532 Blue Peter Gresley A4 nos 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley and 60009 Union of South Africa flank Peppercorn A2 no 60532 Blue Peter while Peppercorn K1 no 62005 passes with the shuttle train. Part of the enormous crowds that filled the viewing bank. I like the hat The star attraction 60163 Tornado moves out of the shed and receives the adoration of the crowds. 60163 Tornado 60007, 60532, 60009 & 60163 62005, 60007, 60532, 60009, 60163 60009 & 60163 60007& 60532 60007, 60532, 60009 & 60163 The crowds were thick and getting thicker The star attraction - 60163 Tornado is admired by the spectators Even young girls were waving. 60163 Tornado makes one of many passes on the shuttle service 60163 Tornado hauls one of the shuttle services An impressive line-up of 60163, 60007, 60532 & 60009. (I must own up to removal of a couple of lights in this shot.) I've included this one to show the corridor tenders on the A4's Little & large - 63601 with a scale model. 60164 Typhoon The model O4 looks superb Out of (boiler) ticket Stanier black 5 no 45110 was inside the shed. The real O4 no 63601 is on its holidays from the GCR. The UK Railtours/Past-Time Rail tour has arrived from Kings Cross. Once all movements on the Barrow Hill site have ceased it gets the green flag to move onto the headshunt hauled by 67028 Bringing up the rear was class leader 67001 67001 brings the excursion into the Barrow Hill platform The crowds by this time were enormous and were about to swell by another 500 or so from the 13 carriage excursion from London Kings Cross. 67028 at Barrow Hill 67028 at Barrow Hill This model looked familiar..... I wasn't aware that the other Beavertail carriage was being restored. This was the original sloping roof style. A traction engine was on display. It's steam Jim, but not as we know it. GER N7 Class loco no 69621 stands on the turntable GER N7 Class loco no 69621 stands on the turntable Ivo Peters famous Bentley was on display Danny Hopkins, editor of Steam Railway mag. The 1946 Swiss built Brown-Boveri Gas Turbine loco no 18000. It ran mainly on the WR until withdrawal in 1960. It was returned to Switzerland from where it was returned to the UK in 1995. It was nicknamed 'The Kerosene castle' by workers at Crewe. 69621 on the turntable with 62660, 45110 & 41708 Finally the two apple green locos stand alongside each other. 60163 & 60532 60009 & 63601 60163, 60532 & 60009 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley powers past with a shuttle service The amazing site of an A1 & an A2 Pacific. Together again after 45 years

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]]> Sat Apr 4 2009 1st Class trip to London http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1675801.html Having been invited to attend the Livery Dinner of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers at The Clothworkers Hall in the City of London I felt 1st Class travel to the event was the only way to go. Very Impressive. Also witnessed were some of the demonstrations against virtually everything at Piccadilly Circus, the Picasso Exhibition at The National Gallery and a view of Wembley stadium from the train as England was beating Ukraine in a World Cup qualifier. This collection will soon be moved into my general photo gallery. Wednesday 1 April 2009: Having been invited to attend the Livery Dinner of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers at The Clothworkers Hall in the City of London I felt 1st Class travel to the event was the only way to go. Very Impressive. Also witnessed were some of the demonstrations against virtually everything at Piccadilly Circus, the Picasso Exhibition at The National Gallery and a view of Wembley stadium from the train as England was beating Ukraine in a World Cup qualifier. This collection will soon be moved into my general photo gallery.

The Birmingham International Station 1st Class lounge - opened by Les Ross. With President Obama having flown into Stansted airport for the G20 Summit security at all the embassies appeared tight. I certainly felt under scrutiny when I raised my camera as I walked out of Hyde Park towards Knightsbridge. Hyde Park Corner tube station was remarkably deserted. In the National Gallery The preparations for the evning distribution of tomorrows land fill was getting underway near Leicester Square Looking towards the Eros Statue at Piccadilly the roads were empty. I then realised that a demonstration and march was underway 28 Days Later? EROS The G20 meetings created the usual protests around Piccadilly Circus Piccadilly Circus The march continues past Towards Leicester Square I could hear singing and found a group of spirited Ukrainian football supporters singing their heart out before the international at Wembley Stadium The calm and tranquil setting of the 1st class lounge at Euston station allowed a few ZZZZ's before the trip home I recall seeing Euston in the 60's when it was first opened and thinking how grand it looked. Now the flooring is wearing out, crowds stand around all the time waiting for their train to be announced and the space now appears a cluttered mess with so many shops, cafes and cabins. Bad Planning! Our train awaits Wembley Stadium passes by at 125mph while England were beating Ukraine 2:1

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]]> Wed Apr 1 2009 A trip to the Isle of Man http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1673427.html A weeks break on the Isle of Man. Unfortunately railway services on the island do not commence until Easter in two weeks time so I was rather lucky to catch a few images of a test run with one of the Manx Electric Railway cars. Saturday 21 March 2009: A weeks break on the Isle of Man. Unfortunately railway services on the island do not commence until Easter in two weeks time so I was rather lucky to catch a few images of a test run with one of the Manx Electric Railway cars.

Car no 21 could be seen on the far side of Douglas Bay on a test run towards Onchan on the Manx Electric Railway. With my daughter driving I was able to get around Douglas bay to catch a few shots of the test run of car no. 21 As it passed us i caught a shot of the crew member holding onto the power supply cable routed externally to the catenary Car no 21 in lovely sunshine outside the depot north of Douglas promenade no 21 crosses the tracks to head back to the depot from the Derby Gate terminus. With a colleague on the distant points the driver takes no 21 back towards the depot The steam train terminus is located to the south of Douglas but sadly there was no sign of activity and signs clearly spelled out that the public is not wanted. A deserted Douglas station on the manx steam railway The public side of Douglas station. The station itself has been converted into an excellent cafe/snack bar Alongside the station is the bus depot which again was labelled up out of bounds. Since when has signs like that stopped me? Here an additional delivery of new creosoted sleepers is being stacked up. Inside the cafe is this somewhat out of date map of the once quite extensive tracks that covered the island. The only part remaining is the route southwards to Port Erin. Take note of the route to Peel though as I captured some shots later. This really is a Victorian heritage railway. 135+ years not out! On my second visit to Douglas station in the week the diesel loco no 17 was out. A view over Port Erin station. This is the southern terminus of the steam railway line No its not my lens that needs a good cleaning!. This convenient listing of locomotive status was stuck on the steam railway museum door window at Port Erin. The only tactile evidence that a railway existed at Peel is the original water tower and other assorted railwayana. Vandalism has reared its ugly head here as well. On a trip over to Peel I captured a shot of this superb model of no 15 Caledonia in the museum A view over the west coast seaside town of Peel. The town had a quite substantial railway station up to the 1960's. The station terminus location was in the lower right of the shot next to the Manx Education Authority's computer bus. A view further inland reveals the route of the railway as it curves away to the right after passing the modern power station. The route disappears into the woodland after the curve on its way to Douglas.... The route of the track at Glenfaba mill provides an ideal route for cyclists.

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]]> Sat Mar 21 2009 A visit to the Great Central Railway http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1668511.html After my trip to Wilnecote to photograph the A4 passing through I continued onto Loughborough for a day on the GCR. Locos in steam were Stanier 8F 48305 and the visiting Q6 63395. I was accompanied by an old school buddy who rather unkindly suggested that when we were at school photos were all in sepia tone. I'll admit to b&w but sepia... no! Saturday 14 March 2009: After my trip to Wilnecote to photograph the A4 passing through I continued onto Loughborough for a day on the GCR. Locos in steam were Stanier 8F 48305 and the visiting Q6 63395. I was accompanied by an old school buddy who rather unkindly suggested that when we were at school photos were all in sepia tone. I'll admit to b&w but sepia... no!

On arrival at Loughborough I could hear a loco making its way to the station from the shed so I popped the camera over the wall and pressed the shutter. Q6 no 63395 makes its way through Loughborough station light engine Q6 no 63395 reverses onto the stock in the platform After a drive to Woodthorpe bridge I caught a shot of 63395 trundling along with the 11.15 from Loughborough From the Quorn direction the 8F no 48305 approaches Woodthorpe bridge with the 11am from Leicester Through the teak window! At Rothley carriage works one of the Gresley teak carriages is being re-roofed. Outside the works one of the windcutter wagons was receiving some new, old, plating. Class 37 no 37255 stands at the back of Rothley C&W works. The track southwards from Rothley is single so permission to move down the track must be carried on the locomotive in the form of a token. The driver makes a final check before heading off towards Leicester with the DALEX trip A special from Rothley to Liverpool & Southport? Sadly that was in 1910. D123 has passed under the Kinchley Lane bridge with the 13.00 from Leicester LNER Q6 0-8-0 no 63395 hauls the 13.15 from Loughborough towards Kinchley Lane bridge A quick zoom out and another shot of 63395. Back at Loughborough 48305 stands at the north end of the station after arriving back light engine It reaches it's 50th birthday this year! Peak diesel D123 moves slowly northwards on the top shed road... while 48305 moves away towards the water column. 48305 takes water After filling its tanks 48305 commences the run round to the front of the train. John kennedy's GWR Prairie tank loco no 4141 has less than a month to go on its 10 year boiler ticket D6535 awaits numbers being applied. Class 45 no D123 stands with Class 47 no D1705 The GCR's latest arrival is a 76 tonne capacity crane ex Tinsley Richard is enjoying a spot of welding on the tender platework for Ivatt mogul no 46521. He also pointed out the substantial areas of new plate that is required to the base of the tender tank at the lower front. Parts of 70013. The Fairburn tank loco no 42085 has aplain black livery applied on this side.... ...another study of 42085... ...and fully lined livery on this side. Tom Tighe, ex CME at Loughborough chats alongside Gresley N2 tank loco no 69523 - soon to become 1744. 30777 Sir Lamiel lies cold in Loughborough shed. Riddles Standard 5 no 73156 lies behind Sir Lamiel 48305 brings the 15.00 from Leicester towards Woodthorpe bridge My final shot shows Q6 no 63395 with the 15.45 from Loughborough. One of the ex Irish generator vehicles has been converted to standard guage but urgently needs a repaint.

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]]> Sat Mar 14 2009 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley on the SVR LIMITED http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1667329.html I ventured over to Wilnecote near Tamworth this morning to catch a shot of A4 Pacific no 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley hauling The Severn Valley Limited. As can be seenI was lucky that the approaching Voyager didn't spoil the photo. It's arrival was announced by a buzzing bi-plane overhead. What was that about? Saturday 14 March 2009: I ventured over to Wilnecote near Tamworth this morning to catch a shot of A4 Pacific no 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley hauling The Severn Valley Limited. As can be seenI was lucky that the approaching Voyager didn't spoil the photo. It's arrival was announced by a buzzing bi-plane overhead. What was that about?

Gresley A4 no 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley storms through Wilnecote with the Severn Valley Limited from Bridgnorth to Lincoln & Doncaster Gresley A4 no 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley storms through Wilnecote with the Severn Valley Limited from Bridgnorth to Lincoln & Doncaster. Conversion to B&W. A Voyager can be seen approaching rapidly from the opposite direction. I was lucky!

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]]> Sat Mar 14 2009 Severn Valley Railway - Festival of Steam - Sunday http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1665728.html A rare chance for a 2nd day spent at the SVR gala materialised although the weather forecast was not at all promising. The day dawned with another perfect blue sky however it was not to last and showers were the order of the day. A superb day out with all trains running to schedule with no apparent problems. The SVR really has got things running smoothly now. Thanks to all the teams for their contribution. Sunday 8 March 2009: A rare chance for a 2nd day spent at the SVR gala materialised although the weather forecast was not at all promising. The day dawned with another perfect blue sky however it was not to last and showers were the order of the day. A superb day out with all trains running to schedule with no apparent problems. The SVR really has got things running smoothly now. Thanks to all the teams for their contribution.

Another sunny morning and Tom and his colleagues have worked their charges up to a brilliant shine. 7812 Erlestoke Manor moves off The Rock MPD with its cylinder drain cocks open... ... and heads away towards Kidderminster light engine After the arrival of 'the freight' from Bridgnorth hauled by 5029 Nunney Castle again it was the turn of A4 Pacific 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley to propel the stock into the Stourport branch siding. Fireman for the day Steve (aka Ron) looks out from the cab. The weather was a repeat of the previous day. The first passenger service from Kidderminster hauled by 71000 Duke of Gloucester approaches Bewdley in full dull conditions. A pleasant change was to see The Welsh Marches Express headboard Ivatt mogul 46443 passes the safari park light engine towards Kidderminster With increasingly heavy rain falling I headed back to the station to find 60007 Sir Nigel gresley at the platform for passengers to take a close look. Prairie tank no 5164 arrives at Bewdley in the rain with the 9.50am from Bridgnorth After sheltering under the umbrella provided by Dave Bridges I caught this shot of the departure of 5164 towards Kidderminster. I was close to abandoning at this point but decided to persevere and headed north. After failing to find a parking space at Highley due to in excess of 100 ramblers taking all the car park spaces I continued north to Eardington Bank. Here 71000 passes the crossing with the 12.15 from Bridgnorth From the other side of the crossing I caught this shot of 60007 with the 11.35 from Kidderminster From the top of the bridge 7812 Erlestoke Manor descends from the 210ft summit of Eardington bank with the 13.05 from Bridgnorth 70013 Oliver Cromwell makes a fine sight passing the crossing with the 12.20 ex Kidderminster The final train to pass at the crossing was 60007 and the Gresley teak carriages with the 13.55 from Bridgnorth. It was carrying a 'Cock 'o the North' headboard After a further move northwards I reached the area near daniels Mill and Oldbury viaduct. Here 70013 passes with the 14.45 ex Bridgnorth... ...and heads away over the viaduct... However blue sky was becoming visible at last 71000 Duke of Gloucester has crossed Oldbury viaduct on the final approach to bridgnorth with the 14.05 from Kidderminster The classic shot of Oldbury viaduct and this time with sunshine. 5029 Nunney Castle slowly takes the 15.35 Limited dining train over Oldbury viaduct with the Ivatt mogul 46443 coupled on the rear. This loco was required for steam heating the carriages when 5029 hauled the train from Kidderminster as there are no forward facing steam pipe connections on the loco After a drive down the valley i reached Bewdley well ahaead of the 'Limited's' arrival. 5029 is seen with the token exchange at the north end of the station A study of 5029 Nunney Castle With 5029 Nunney Castle awaiting the road ahead 70013 Oliver Cromwell has arrived with the 16.35 from Kidderminster and rather annoyingly takes the route across to platform 3. GWR Castle Class no 5029 Nunney Castle departs Bewdley with the 15.35 'Limited' dining service. Unfortunately the driver felt it necessary to open the drain cocks while a battery of fotters were lined up to take the shot. After providing steam heating support for the 'Limited' dining train 46443 has arrived light engine back at The Rock for disposal The fire is dropped from the Ivatt Mogul 46443 After the fire was dropped 46443 was moved under its last remaining steam along the line where it was allowed to cool down. GWR Small Priarie tank loco no 4566 stands cold at bewdley My final shot was of 71000 Duke of Gloucester hauling the 16.25 from Bridgnorth on the final leg of its run to Kidderminster

Published in Clive Hanley - Photographs

]]> Sun Mar 8 2009 Severn Valley Railway - Festival of Steam - Saturday http://clive-hanley.fotopic.net/c1664529.html A superb collection of visiting Pacific locomotives were assembled for this 'Festival of Steam'. Riddles Standards 70013 Oliver Cromwell and 71000 Duke of Gloucester, Gresley's A4 Pacific 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley and from the GWR was 4-6-0 no 5029 Nunney Castle. Locos from the SVR in steam were GWR prairie tank no 5164, 7812 Erlestoke Manor and finally in light steam on Saturday was the Ivatt mogul 46443. Please take a look at Mike Snow's videos of the days events by following the links. I even make an inadvertant appearance at the top of the embankment when 70013 departs Arley. (Whoops sorry Mike) Saturday 7 March 2009: A superb collection of visiting Pacific locomotives were assembled for this 'Festival of Steam'. Riddles Standards 70013 Oliver Cromwell and 71000 Duke of Gloucester, Gresley's A4 Pacific 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley and from the GWR was 4-6-0 no 5029 Nunney Castle. Locos from the SVR in steam were GWR prairie tank no 5164, 7812 Erlestoke Manor and finally in light steam on Saturday was the Ivatt mogul 46443. Please take a look at Mike Snow's videos of the days events by following the links. I even make an inadvertant appearance at the top of the embankment when 70013 departs Arley. (Whoops sorry Mike)

Gresley A4 Pacific no. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley awaits its call for duty from The Rock MPD at Bewdley. Agh! 7812 Erlestoke Manor departs far too early for me to catch a shot but I did capture all the stars who'd spent the previous 3 hours cleaning the loco. Thank you to Steve, Jordan, Paul, Ryan, Ian at the back, James, another James back to camera & John (from the Pitchford Hall crew). Thanks for the name update Ryan. With an unfortunately located lighting pole in the centre of the shot 71000, 60007 & 46443 are prepared at The Rock The unique Riddles Standard 8P no 71000 Duke of Gloucester reversed away from The Rock with its cylinder drain cocks open but I captured a shot at Bewdley south box as it heads light engine to Kidderminster John points out to Tom that he's missed a bit! The 'freight' hauled by 5029 Nunney Castle approaches Bewdley rather earlier than its scheduled time of 9.35am. 5029 Nunney Castle during the run around at Bewdley 5029 propels the two syphon G's towards the Stourport branch siding where they will stand all day. Not one but two tender first GWR locos! 7812 Erlestoke Manor passes 5029 Nunney Castle on the viaduct south of Bewdley while hauling the 9.35 from Kidderminster 5029 Nunney Castle moves slowly off the viaduct back towards Bewdley station Slightly bad timing! 5029 disappears around the corner as 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley stops at the 'box. What is the bobby handing over? 71000 Duke of Gloucester with the traditional cockeyed Great Briton headboard brings the 10.00am from Kidderminster on the final approach to Bewdley 5029 Nunney Castle departs Bewdley light engine towards Kidderminster GWR Prairie tank loco no. 5164 departs Bewdley with the 9.50am ex Bridgnorth After a drive to Arley and even at this time of the morning Mike had extreme difficulty in finding a parking space we finally went lineside just as 5029 Nunney Castle arrived with the 11.35am ex Kidderminster. There was no time to remove the offending vegetation from this grab shot. 7812 Erlestoke Manor departs Arley with the 11.25am from Bridgnorth Britannia Class 4-6-2 no 70013 Oliver Cromwell arrives at Arley with the signalman about to collect the single line token. A study of 70013 at Arley Riddles Britannia Class no 70013 Oliver Cromwell stands at Arley while 71000 Duke of Gloucester arrives from Bridgnorth 70013 Oliver Cromwell departs Arley. (Several hi-viz jacket wearing fotters have been 'removed' from my photo. Sorry guys - you had to go!) A quiet interlude at Arley 71000 Duke of Gloucester enters the cutting alongside the safari park with the 14.05 from Kidderminster A4 Pacific 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley with a Coronation headboard passes the safari park cutting with the 13.05 from Bridgnorth 5164 hurries the 14.40 local towards Kidderminster