Matthew Wilson's Gallery http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/ 93 rows en-gb 60 July 2010 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1876538.html July 2010 Thursday 1 July 2010: July 2010

DR 98959 leads a pair of struggling MLV evhicles up the Lickey incline When it got closer it became apparent that only the rear engine was running. And this failed just after crossing Vigo Bridge, DOH!! And there's true irony in that grafitti - it says 'Only half way to go, are you gonna make it?' - the answer being 'NO' 170633 working a Hereford to Birmingham service was the first thing through after the MLVs had sat down for 35 minutes This was the shot. I believe it's a newer working, the Mondays only 6M57 Margam-Kingsbury loaded tanks. Yes, nearly 30 LOADED, 66213 is helped to crawl up with 66059 giving some shove at the rear A bit later in the day, and with the cloud making it just about off full sun, 37682+37194 work 6M56 Berkeley-Crewe flasks, running early as usual too 66725 nears journeys end as it passes Hams Hall freightliner terminal with a Doncaster Decoy-Daw Mill empty coal run for GBRf 66092 worked an aggregate train bound for Mountsorrel and about ten feet in fron tof the loco for the entire run from Water Orton, the sun ws disappearing behind a cloud! 1P13 Wrexham-London is lead through Bradnocks Marsh (note the trad shot is totally vegged out) by 67014 in a pleasant enough patch of weather A CrossCountry Super Voyager (with the 'SUper' isolated of course) runs through Coaley with a northbound service And so does another one, still in good weather, but you can see the front in the background creeping up. Curiously all 4 northbound Voyagers seen at Coaley had the 1st class leading Ah, this is the stuff - 60009 thumoing away at the head of everyones (near the Midlands) favourite Class 60 working, 6E41 The tug was followed not too distantly by the NMT, which was signal checked by a service just departed Cam & Dursley in front of it With it's missing digit 66540, or '6540' as it shows, thrashes up the gentler gradient to Patchway having just exited Patchway new tunnel around the corner As the dull of that weather fron seen earlier at Coaley arrived, an HST to Paddington is seen leaving Patchway new tunnel showing just how far the two lines are seperated to give a gentler climb than the gradient of descending trains Another HST from cardiff-Paddington, seen this time from a footbridge near Pilning at Over Having taken a massive gamble to take the 67s here rather than the Pathcway tunnel shot, I'm pleased to say it appears to have paid off. 67029 at the rear of FGWs loco hauled Taunton service completing the immense livery froth which occurred for the first week of running without Class 57s 158955 approaches the eastern portal of the Severn tunnel with a service from Portsmouth Harbour As does an HST, the shot having been cleared recently by some track relaying and also realignment of signal positions too. Who says progress is a bad thing? 67016 and 67017 were the decidedly non frothy pairing on the Paignto-Cardiff loco hauled set, but it's always lovely to see those Cargo D carriages After a long ride up the M5, the sun decided to make it look like it may play around Stoke Works. As it was a Friday this means the 18:12 New St-Plymouth (ex Dundee) was on the cards. 43285 does the honours just as clouds start to flirt with the edge of the sunlight 66430 just about made it in the sun working 6Z70 loaded scrap to Cardiff Tidal I deliberately changed to the telephoto for the two shots of 6Z70 to vary it from the HST Thanks to the wonders of Adobe's Photoshop, I was able to rewrite the timing of that 323 and make this unforgettable image of an unforgettable moment in Birmingham New Streets history. This is how the original shot I took of 6201 'Princess Elizabeth' laeding 'The Midlander' away from Birmingham New Street looked. how cruel of the LM 323

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Thu Jul 1 2010 Recent updates or re-edited shots http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1872027.html Recent updates or re-edited shots Saturday 3 July 2010: Recent updates or re-edited shots

A gauge 1 crew stand by their train wilst performing a shunt move The driver receives his last instructions before departing the terminus Here is a gauge 1 version of a Freightliner Class 66 And a close up of the cab detail If you could remove the person it would be hard to tell the difference between a model and a real loco Steaming back towards the main station is 'Helen' We had a visit to the Evesham Vale Light Railway, and I was very impressed with the little run and this slightly overpowered loco The only real workout the loco gets is on two climbs, the first being this climb up to a tunnel (as is the case with light railways, the tunnel is just cosmetic) The loco is seen again as it crests the sunmmit and approaches the tunnel The same shot in black and white This station is an intermediate stop used for people wanting a walk or a picnic in the large field behind the loco. The train is seen at the end of the loop ready to join the single line back to the terminus Another slight climb is evident as the loco brings the train out of the tight curves from the terminus, which is very reminiscent of Porthmadog on the Ffestiniog railway A closer view of the train coming down the straight track BR 8P 4-6-2 71000 'Duke of Gloucester' battles the infamous gradient of the Lickey incline with a train from Gloucester to London Waterloo via a torturous route A closer view as 'The Duke' gets to grips with it's 13 coach train, helped by 66050 shocing at the rear. Even for a double kilchap exhaust it made a very loud roar As is always the way with steam charters, for some reason people think this gives them carte blanche to stand wherever the hell they like to get a photo. At Vigo bridge there were around 20 people trespassing within sight and I suspect at least double that for this 2 mile climb from Bromsgrove From Barnt Green the charter went via Lifford, Nuneaton, Leicester, Oakham and then this magnifiecent viaduct at Seaton/Harringworth Despite the poor light it's worth noting the sheer scale of the structure, which easily belittles a train consisting of 2 locos and 13 coaches

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Sat Jul 3 2010 June 2010 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1865026.html This is where you'll find all my latest photos. A few photos that for whatever reason never got edited originally or have been improved. Tuesday 1 June 2010: This is where you'll find all my latest photos. A few photos that for whatever reason never got edited originally or have been improved.

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Tue Jun 1 2010 May 2010 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1853070.html May 2010 Saturday 1 May 2010: May 2010

DVT 82126 stands at New Street. The Pretendolino set was returned to action after 390004 derailed at Oxley depot wider angle of 82126 Warning sign at New Street with two signals in the background A London Midland Class 323 heads out of New Street with a loca service to BirminghamInternational 323213 pass 350101 in what is knoiwn as 'The DIp' at New Street. This is because of the steep gradient either side enabling the lines to pass beneath Birmingham Moor Street 20189+20142 are the front pair on 8X09 as it arrives at Melton Mowbray with new S-line stock to be delivered to TfL from Old Dalby test facility A shot of the S-line stock After reversal at Melton mowbray 20901+905 take charge of the train, seen approaching Leicester After a wait in the region of 2 hours, 8X09 is seen on the move again at Branston. The train is limited to 35mph because of the cargo, and is seen here nearly five hours after being photographed at Melton Mowbray The next location at Portway was very popular, and you'll see why Everybody knew about these rapeseed fields and consequently thishot proved a must for a lot of locally based photogarphers A wider shot at Portway 66622 heads an aggregate train south of Leicester near Knighton junction. Only one of the two tunnels in the background are now used Same colour, but a totally different vintage of train for Virgin West Coast as one of their flagship Pendolinos arrives at New Street next to the Mk3 set A London Midland Cross City service formed of a single Class 323 heads out of the Derby tunnel at New Street Two CrossCountry Voyagers pass in 'The Dip' on the Derby tunnel side 31106 is panned at speed at Pride Park, Derby 170112 heads away from Derby with an XC servcie to Nottingham 60049 worked a short freight to Toton and is one of the very few freights to use this section of line DRS Class 37s 37038+37194 pause at Tamworth with a light engine working to Norwich 37038 clags out and makes plenty of noise at Tamworth as it passes a storm 31601 runs light engine through Leicester, but then you knew it was Leicester didn't you?? A shot of all the station signs that bombard the already confused railway passenger at Leicester platform 1 After cycling under this short viaduct at 01:20 in the morning, I returned today to see if it was possible to shoot 60071 in charge of 6E41. I'm glad to say it was, and thanks to the cyclist for some perfect timing too. The left hand arch of the viaduct is actually the former trackbed of the first route laid by the Birmingham West Suburban Railway to Granville Street via Bournville, before the changes and diverging route were built at Kings Norton instead. To read up on the history of this section of route, I suggest a visit <a href='www.railaroundbirmingham.co.uk/Stations/lifford_wharf.php'>HERE</a> 66138 sits with some box scrap wagons at Beeston An NET tram arrives at Nottingham Station Street, with the unusual spectacle of an indicator like a car illuminated as it negotiates the junction Normally an Out of Order sticker would suffice, but EMT seem to have gone a step further in securing this vehicle from use. Obviously, this is just a trick with the reflection in the window No introduction required for one of the most famous noses (since Barbra Streisand and Barry Manilow) A pair ov Voyagers pass Wichnor with a service via Birmingham New Street 66160 is seen working a right mixture on 6G45 Toton-Bescot A 3-car Turbostar Class 170 probably still accelerating from Burton on Trent 37608 leads 4Q40 Derby RTC-Didcot 43285 passes Wichnor Jn with 1E63 Plymouth-Leeds 150009 arrives at Jewellery Quarter The two sides of the station have different signs to help distinguish 150101 has got it's nose bag on 150003 approaches Rowley Regis with a service to Stourbridge and 150003 is seen returning from Stourbridge as it arrives at Jewellery Quarter Station signs at Nottingham Mass murder at Nottingham I have some reservations about this shot, LOL Two units wait at Cambridge One example of each TOC who runs through Cmabridge, with the exception of Nat-Ex East Anglia 365513 is the lead unit on an 8-car service to Kings X a wide view of 317890 stabled at Cambridge More mass murder, this time at Cambridge 170207 departs Cambrideg with a service for Norwich 43321 at Wichnor Junction with a Plymouth bound XC service A Voyager unit speeds through the National War Memorial Viaduct at Wychnor on one of the viaducts A turbostar is seen passing a rape seed field at Portway, I've made it look fast

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Sat May 1 2010 April 2010 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1834715.html April 2010 Thursday 1 April 2010: April 2010

A CrossCountry Class 221 Super-Voyager (with the 'Super' isolated) climbs the Lickey at Vigo brodge. This was a test shot for my camera plua an Olympus fit Vivitar 200mm f3.5 full manual lens. The test and image quality are indeed a success After a successful test I decided to brave it out and shoot 1Z64 with the 200mm as well. Here is 67006+67005 at the head of the train. They made short work of it. On Easter Sunday, I saw the whole of East Midlands Trains range of mainline classes at Etches Park 153310 sits at the front of a line of 5 Class 153s at Nottingham Plat 6 158813 leads a classmate out of Nottingham with the station visible in the back Spoiling the set, an MML liveried powercar is on the rear of an empty HST in to Nottingham 153319 leaves Nottingham 3TC 1498 sits at the terminus at Lymington Pier An overall view of the harbour as 1498 arrives from Brockenhurst 1498 heads past the harbour with the return working from Lymington Pier A different angle, showing the level crossing just north of Lymington Town station The wonderful old station at Lymington Town, showing just how important coastal towns and transport links used to be A shot of the nameplate took from the guards van window as we speed back to Brockenhurst 66845 is working for Colas but still wearing ex-DRS colours. It is seen near Bromsgrove with a rake of hoppers operated by the doomed Fastline, bound for Long Marston 43301 leads a CrossCountry HST set down the Lickey at Vigo Bridge. I had hoped to see the GB3 railtour hee (along with plenty of others) but it ran late and work got in the way :( 59201 is seen at Warrington on a Fiddlers Ferry to Ellesmere Port empty coal train working 70004 worked 6K02 in to Lachford sidings, but was surprising relaced by 66603. Th crews are seen talking to each other before 70004 went light engine to Crewe 70004 is seen crossing the River Mersey on its way out of Latchford sidings 37706 is at the head of 5Z40 Carnforth-Leicester for a raitour the following day, pictured arriving at Crewe. 57601 was on the rear of the train 323204 worked 5T01 Soho LMD-Crewe IEMD for tyre turning, providing the rare sight of an LM liveried 323 at Crewe, although they were regular visiotrs in the days of Centro livery on Liverpool Lime Street services up until the delivery of Class 170 Turbostars 323204 pictured with Crewe station as it heads along the through road between platforms 11 and 12 56312 leads 56311 with 86232 in Floyd colours towards Long Marston at Fladbury The sun managed a great disappearing act for the day whenever any trains turned up, here we see a dull scene as an XC HST passes Tredington 56311 is now in charge as we see Grids on oil tanks for the first time in who knows when A pan of 390028 at Long Lawford Due to the airline/volcano crisis 90020 was out onthe Pretendolino set to free up a Pendolino for longer distance working And here is a much better pan, side on of Mk3 DVT 82126 as it passes Long Lawford My only shot of a 12-car Desiro formation, seen just south of Northampton at Milton Malsor (I think, it's a real tongue twister) Hastings thumper 1001 emerges from Foley Park Tunnel with a charter from Hastings - The Severn Explorer A landscape shot of 1001 near Bewdley After a quick dash cross country, we got to shoot the thumper accelerating at Haye Bridge up Eardington Bank, what a sound A wider view at Haye Bridge And here we see the full yellow end of the set as it approaches Bewdley with the return run to Hastings A long way from home, signified by the Great Western milepost at Northwood

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Thu Apr 1 2010 March 2010 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1829524.html March 2010 Monday 1 March 2010: March 2010

A pan of 220020 at Stoke Pound An XC Turbostar heads north towards Bromsgove 43303 speeds south on a Plymouth at Stoke Pound. Finally got a sunny version of my pan of 43384 221125 panned while heading North 170504 accelerates away from Stoke Works towards its stop at Bromsgrove The other important pan of the day, 70002 leading 4Z70 south at Stoke Pound 67012 'A Shropshire Las' heads a WSMR service through Tyseley South Junction This is the same shot as before, but I removed the 20mph sign and the giveaway reflections in the windows too Photoshop crashed when I went to save the original, so I only have this version of 5Z47 approaching Tyseley with 20mph board removed A wider angle after 47739 'Robin of Templecombe' clagged out the gallery at Tyseley Same as the last shot, once again, that pesky 20mph board has been removed 350119 departs Crewe with a London Midland service to Northampton A pendolino speeds through platform 5 at Rugby LMS Pacific 6201 'Priness Elizabeth' stands at Rugby during a booked pathing stop 66565 prepares to depart Rugby, having just stopped at platform 1 for a driver change 66412 heads towards a signal check at Stafford Finally, after an hour of waiting, these DRS 37s made their way to Derby via Stoke-on-Trent 350247 traverses Proof House Jcn, Birmingham An XC Voyager unit sits beside the station clock at Darlington It's so refreshing that although the station clocks are very old, they do still display the correct time Some of the ornate ironwork that makes up the roof structure of Darlington Is it a mirror trick? No. 142070 and 079 sit beside each other at Darlington under the wonderful canopy A different angle of the pair of (rail)buses at Darlington A mood blue HDR of Darlington station roof A warmer convrsion of the same HDR Another variation on the HDR tone mapping If only I could pluck him out!! An XC Voyager arrives at Darlington with a Newcastle-Reading service After serenading us along the ECML for two hours, 43068 makes a claggy departure from York bound for Sunderland As the HSt starts off, the exhaust starts to spread in to the distinctive roof at York 'The Mask' 222016 has a brand new cab, which is yet to receive the required colours to match EMT livery 222016 is seen passing a sister Bombardier Class 220 unit at Derby

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Mon Mar 1 2010 February 2010 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1813703.html February 2010 Monday 1 February 2010: February 2010

An HST glides along a section of line needing no introduction, as you can see, the weather was just getting ready for the loco-hauled Paignton train 2C67 Cardiff to Paignton was today (and yesterday) formed by both Royal Class 67s. Just a shame the weather didn't want to behave. The forecast before just 6 hours before I left home was for full sun ALL DAY! Bloody liars! An alternative crop and you may notice I also took the opportunity to 'remove' those pesky workmen 150127 was workin 2C69 from Cardiff to Plymouth and is seen looking across from Shaldon to the opposite bank of the River Teign Also viewed across the river was this CrossCountry Class 221 heading to Plymouth 'Two heads are better than swan' - it's an awful pun, but an awfully lucky photo. If I'm honest I'd have rather they were facing each other, but that's siblings for you! An FGW HST set with old liveried buffet car glide in towards Teignouth, just dodging the patchy clouds The same HST is seen just going in to cloud at the outskirts of Teignmouth. The direction of the boats signified the tide was coming in We moved out location slightly closer to Shaldon bridge for this shot, but were presented with sun on the foreground and..........well bugger all else, just as an XC HST turned up. This was the best I could do with the shot but you should see the original! 67005 on the left and 67006 leading the train, approach Teignmouth with 2U20 from Paignton to Cardiff Two royal engines and two royal birds (no, not Fergies daughters!) are seen outside Teignmouth

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Mon Feb 1 2010 January 2010 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1807204.html January 2010 Friday 1 January 2010: January 2010

43081 leads an HST set in to Leicester, note the out of livery drivers door Under a daylight moon, 82126 leads 1B29 08:50 New St-Euston formed by the Pretendolino set at Tile Hill. This wasn;t the angle I wanted, but it seems building work is taking place in the field by the former loop, and there is plenty of security staff guarding the site. This was also to be the only outing for the set for the whole day 67013 leads one of the refurbished sets of WSMR mk3 carriages on 1P03 at Tile Hill, seen from the station 170101 1V07 10:11 Nottingham-Cardiff Central approaches Northfield with the A vertiecal shot of 322210 working 2R29 the 11:18 Four Oaks-Redditch 170632 works 1V26 11:49 New St-Hereford service at Northfield 43357 was the lead powercar on 1V50 -Plymouth which was running about 40 minutes late at Northfield A new location that I've wanted to try, my hand was forced by missing a connection to Atherstone at Tamworth A wider view of the same Pendolino at Coton Lane A Virgin Voyager heads south near Tamworth, from a different vantage point at the same place 92034 worked 6O60 'silver bullets' along the slow line A wider view of 6O60...... ......and wider still, the last shot of 92034 and it's train 350103 on a stopping WCML service about to pick up at Tamworth A telephoto shot fo a Pendolino, showing the samshed coupler cover and the non-tilted vehicles at the very rear of the set 92001 and 92037 worked 4O10 from Trafford Park, catching the very last of the sun, taken from the footbridge near to Coton Lane Lastly, a zoom pan of a pair of Virgin Voyager units as they speed onards for London Euston A Pendolino unit wears snow on the front as it tilts near Atherstone 86501 makes a bid to appear on airliners.net with this fresh air intermodal working After panicking about getting both 86s together, 86702 had been switched to the slow lines too, and is seen kicking up the snow near Atherstone 150017 fights through the snow at Blakedown after a brief snow shower To come all this way and get bowled by the steam, despite the loco under full power was more than disappointing Two sheds are better than one. At Nottingham we see 6E41 paused by a signal check and proving that two Class 66s are needed to do the job of one Class 60. And don't forget, this is the empty tanks too! Anyone for rocking horse poo? Here we see CrossCountry service 1V50 09:00 Leeds-Exeter St Davids, on a booked diversion at Leicester, with newly branded 'East Coast' powercar 43306 at the head of the train. Definately continues the years theme for strange workings already. 67015 sits at London Marylebone with a freshly delivered mk3 from Stoke Marcroft A view of the clean and open end of the Mk3 TFO, the train we arrived on is in the background The tube, packed as usual and wedged with happy looking sorts Josh looks on as some 1972 tube stock leaves Embankment A zoom pan of some 72 stock at |Embankment Some more tube action at Embankment Speaking of veg, here's a couple on the tune at 'Temple' My first ever trip on c2c, here we're at Fenchurch Street 357010 departs Upminster 357212 approaches Upminster with a big gradient change visible in the background. You'd need a 600mm for o photo of that though The worlds smallest shop, surely. We came across this tiny retail outlet at (station to be added when I remember) 90024 gets stuck in to the task of shifting 1G30 from Euston Another shot of 90024 speeding down the WCML Josh decided to start posing by me on the Pretendolino set 66953 heads 6G43 Croft-Brierley Hill at Stoke Pound. Sadly although nothing passed it, the signaller deemed it necessary to use the slow line which is not as good as the fast due to vegetation. Compare the available angle to <a href='http://www.trainpics.net/p62552486.html'>THIS SHOT</a> on the fast Same train, same place, different loco and now on the fast line, we see 66549 in charge of 6G43 Croft-Brierley Hill Freightliners empty coal was today worked by 70006, the third class member I've photographed Powercar 43384 leads a CrossCountry HST set south through Stoke Prior with 1V50 to Plymouth 170633 is forming a London Midland service from Bimingham New Street to Hereford Arrgghh! Back on the slow lines for no reason again, here we see 6Z67 scrap to Cardiff tidal with celeb shed 66412 in charge. Typical that both the weather and the signaller deserted me for this photo. One minute later the location was bathed in full sun 170101 speeds past the cattle at Catholme. It's so nice to be able to see so many cows, but not be in fear 67006 is at the head of a Woking to Donnington RFT with 67026 on the rear 66054 works 6M57 tanks to Kingsbury oil refinery A wider shot of 6M57 at Catholme 390050 speeds through Brockhall 390025 has its front coupler completely broken off

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Fri Jan 1 2010 December 2009 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1800721.html December 2009 Tuesday 1 December 2009: December 2009

31459 stands at Redditch having terminated with 1Q18. Normally the overhead test train is formed of five coaches and two Class 37s, so the shorter formation and Class 31s were a welcome change The shorter formation meant that I could shoot 31602 on the other end, which seems to have a *slight* emissions problem Here is a vertical shot fo the unhealthy beast, 31602 153384 and an East Midlands classmate sit in the sun at Nottingham A somewhat different view of 158785 as it sits at Platform 6 in Nottingham 43072 hax=ving arrived from Etches Park awaits its turn of duty to London 153310 and another 153 is reflected in a puddle at the East end of Nottingham 158863, still in Alphaline livery from back in the day sits at Nottingham 4360 was at the other end of the set to 43072 170521+522 were paired ona diagram between Nottingham and Birmingham An UID Class 323 waits at New St with a service to Wolverhampton A zoomed in view of the signals and pointwork at New Street, as the same 323 can be seen heading out 82126 at the head of the 'Pretendolino' mk3 set at New St An Arriva 158 shortly before departure from Platform 1 at New Street,. Th Pendolino on number 2 had only just come to a stand 350251 awaits its next train at New St A view not often seen, of the area behind the driving cab which serves as a modern day luggage van 350256 joins it's classmate at New St 350251 deoarts, leaving interestng trails over 35256 A Turbostar tries to look subtle at New St amongst all of the pillars One of CrossCountry 'Gold Spanner' award winning Class 221s working a Bournemouth Different slopes : a comparison from afar with a Voyager and Turbostar My first 'proper' shot of a Class 70 in action, and how fortunate. 70003 was in charge of empty coal trucks from Rugeley to Stoke Gifford. Despite being 38 late at Bescot, it passed me dead on time A wider view with the house at Stoke Pound visible in the background. Ta to the driver for a nice toot as well

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Tue Dec 1 2009 November 2009 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1788627.html November 2009 Sunday 1 November 2009: November 2009

Going down! This is the view up to Blackwell from the rear of a Turbostar bound for Cardiff An HST arrives at Newport station Self portrait time, thought I'd feature in one of my own photos as an Arriva liveried Class 175 peaves Newport A close up of the bench details at Newport being authentic GWR items A zoom pan of an HST powercar as it calls at Newport One of the bike racks at Cardiff Central station 66729 has just run round it's train at Derby, and now is ready to lead 378512 away. The train failed soon after this shot was taken at Long Eaton The two red signals at Derby reflect in the heavy rain on the new platform surface 66427 is in charge as 6Z67 powers towards Abbotswood Junction with scrap for Cardiff once operated by Advenza 47773 hauls the stock for a <a href=www.vintagetrains.co.uk>Vintage Trains</a> charter to Ironbridge. To the dismay of a few photographers the train did not cross the Albert Edward Bridge, reversing at the stop board instead Cruelly, as the gorge echoed to the beat of two pannier tanks belting up the gradient, the weather got a lot worse and blew rain at everyones lenses. I waited till the last moment to grab this shot. I would not have missed being here for anything much though, and I know one hundred people who'd agree too! 31190 was late heading in to Donnigton terminal (no surprise as it was substituting for a 56) 31190 is seen heading back towards Shrewsbury A wider shot of 31190 on the Hoot n Boot railtour Today a serious collision between two HSTs resulted in a derailment at Neville Hill depot. Cranes were called upon from around the network, 37425 being sent to Wigan. Here it is seen working 4Z99 from Wigan to Bescot at Penkridge. Upon arrival at Bescot it was to be joined by another crane from Margam So, here it is, froth buckets at the ready! I can at least claim to have surely THE earliest shot of 70001 working under it's own power for the first time on the mainline. It is seen just departing Lawley Street with a DBS CLass 67 in the rear A bizarre livery concoction at Derby RTC with 47815, 56303 and 45118 outside An EMT Meridian arrives at Nottingham station with a service from London One of two full EMT liveried HSTs is seen leaving Nottingham for the capital Beneath the unique archetectural sights of Rotunda and Selfridges a London Midland 150 passes beneath a Cross Country Voyager Reputedly the last 6Z48 is seen at Small Heath with the glorious 47769 'Resolve' in charge. The fast moving clouds certainly tested my resolve as the train was in murky darkness as it rounded the corner

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Sun Nov 1 2009 Tornado at the Severn Valley Railway http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1776228.html For one week only, the newest locomotive in England, 60163 'Tornado' spent a week running at the Severn Valley Railway. Thankfully there were glimmers of good weather, and also it ran the entire time with the authentic teak coaching stock (albeit with some Mk1s tagged on the bag for capacity). Unfortunately, I am not aware that at any time during the week, it being on time for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th legs of the diagram it worked. This meant that it never appeared in the right light at Hay Bridge before the loco was turned on the night of 28th October Sunday 25 October 2009: For one week only, the newest locomotive in England, 60163 'Tornado' spent a week running at the Severn Valley Railway. Thankfully there were glimmers of good weather, and also it ran the entire time with the authentic teak coaching stock (albeit with some Mk1s tagged on the bag for capacity). Unfortunately, I am not aware that at any time during the week, it being on time for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th legs of the diagram it worked. This meant that it never appeared in the right light at Hay Bridge before the loco was turned on the night of 28th October

The A1 locomotive trusts 60163 'Tornado' finally visits the SVR. For the half term week it will be there, and thankfully it is on the LNER teak stock too. The train is seen having emerged from Foley Park tunnel Tornado again, on the second day of operation as it pulls out of Bewdley, already running late after just one station stop Tornado slogs up Eardington bank, shot taken at 1/20 second LNER N2 0-6-2 tank 1744 crosses Victoria Bridge on its way in to Arley 7812 'Erlestoke Manor' is seen running tender first with an immaculate rake of Mk1 Crimson and Carmine stock Autumn, you simply cannot beat the colours it brings. Just a pity that the sun was starting to set and gave the foreground shadows in this shot as Tornado crosses Victoria Bridge Well, to help demonstrate the beauty of RAW photogrpahy's flexibility, this is the standard RAW file as taken, nothing added And here is the finished article, with planty of work done, but a great job of dealing with the worst that England can offer at the most inopportune moments Another shot fo Tornado as it heads back towards Kidderminster, crossing Victoria Bridge. Hard to imagine that when built this was the worlds longest single span anywhere in the world. How far engineering has moved on 60163 heading for Kidderminster viewed from Suckley point in the Wyre Forest. This was actually a 15 minute walk from the car, laden with camera gera, picnic and Josh in his pushchair This is taken from the same spot, as Tornado climbs out of Eyemore cutting and on to Bewdley. In the foreground, one of the reservoirs at Trimpley is visible

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Sun Oct 25 2009 Ocotber 2009 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1772414.html Ocotber 2009 Thursday 1 October 2009: Ocotber 2009

47839 produces much clag at the head of 0Z87 formed of 3 Class 87s having to return to Long Marston for more work 87014 is the rearmost loco, not 87004 as I would have liked Folowing an hour or so later is 1Q14 to Long Marston with 31105 leading 31602 Network Rails New Measurement Train stands at Derby about to head out on a test train A shot of two Class 153s at Nottingham Eastcrof depot, I took this to show the slight livery variation (above gangway door) asnd the different headlight cluster positions too Long time Derby resident 08536 is still to escape Etches Park 31285 stands at BArnt Green while a test train reverses there. It was on the structure gauging train DBSO 9708 has been converted to have far more lights, just like 31285 and is seen ready to leave Barnt Green whilst running a mere 90 minutes early One final shot of 31285 before the train left Barnt Green back towards Birmingham Warship B821 'Greyhound' shunts it's stock around after a delayed departure from the pair of shunters D821 backs in as 37264 prepares to shake the neighbours at Kidderminster The two shunting locos only thankfully travelled as far as Bewdley. The ruling maximum of 25mph along with many other restrictions at various places means these two probably wouldn't drop much time versus a normal service D821 traverses Falling Sands Viaduct with a rake of LMS maroon stock A wider shot of the Warships train as it heads out of Kidderminster D1062 'Western Courier' has recently been restored to service and is seen here on teak carriages approaching Foley Park Tunnel D821 'Greyhound' again, returning from Bewdley with the maroon stock 37264 looked fantastic in its interim livery as the sun just holds at Bewdley North Junction The pair of 20s diagram is always popular, but the sun just died on the front of the train here. It's seen with the more desirable green 20 leading towards Kidderminster at Northwood Lane In the mid-afternoon the cloud really set in, and this was the resulting shot of 50135 crossing Oldbury Viaduct having spent almost the entire day up at Bridgnorth sight-seeing 47580 hauled the last train of photographical note, and it was worth the wait as it clags up... ...at Hay Bridge ready to attack the climb at Eardington 1Z47 from Shrewsbury is seen on Oxley viaduct as it approaches the rarely traversed curve to Bushbury Junction After a big farce at Bristol, finally passes Willington with 37676 37516 and 47851 all powering, 6080HP!!!! 60051 works a freight from Toton to Crewe, via Wichnor and not the usual route via Uttoxeter 56311 charges through a dark Branston 20227 in Railfreight red stripe leads a brand new tube set from Old Dalby to Neasden (or somewhere like that). The train was nice and slow, so I risked 1/200s and zero depth of field. I'm gutted to have missed this on the Coalville branch 66843 worked it's first train since becoming a 66/8. Ironically it wears the colours of Advenza freight, a company for which it did not undertake one single working! 390036 is seen at Speed passing Hademore, south of Lichfield Trent Valley 57315 leads the WAG through a dull Duffryn, running slightly late and meaning my bus got me there in time 66541 in charge of a liner from Wentloog 43140 rounds the curve at Duffryn at the head of a FGW service to London Paddington If only the weather was better as I had the good fortune to get two FGW trains passing between the bridges at Duffryn 168003 pulls away from Hatton station with a service to Birmingham Snow Hill The New Measurement Train rounds the curve at Hatton North Junction with a working that originated in Penzance, via London Paddington to Derby Finally, a decent shot of 60040 the Tug of War. I changed my viewopoint slightly with the aid of a bit of tree climbing. The train was actually 3 hours late which helped get light on the nose at this location for the last time this year

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Thu Oct 1 2009 Central Rivers http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1767564.html Popped along to get some shots for a presentation, and also managed to bag these shots for myself when finished. Thanks to all the lovely people who showed me around Monday 12 October 2009: Popped along to get some shots for a presentation, and also managed to bag these shots for myself when finished. Thanks to all the lovely people who showed me around

220023 and 221124 both up on jacks having various exams and powerplant changes carried out 220023 receives attention to the front bogies This chap was helpful enough to pose for me while he tightened some very important nuts on the leading bogie This is an HDR photo showing the void where an engine used to be. The power unit was being exchanged for one already serviced. This was on 221124 221124 stands next to some brand new wheelsets from Crewe, the one closest to the camera also features the axle mounted gearbox Here we see 220023 between the jacks again Depending on what work is being carried out, where required, the doors from each given vehicle will be stored on one of these trolleys This sophisticated machine is very much like a cashpoint for the maintenance employees. It's job is to monitor and distribute any consumables from WD40 through to specific washers. When the staff swipe their card, they request the consumable, it is given out, logged and due to the swipe card system they know what unit and what job it is for too This is the main ops room at Central Rivers where they monitor all sorts of aspects of the Voyager fleet. Obviously this caters for 220s and 221s working for Virgin and CrossCountry. Nothing happens to a Voyager without these people knowing, and sorting out how to fix it!

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Mon Oct 12 2009 Special comparison http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1765762.html This collection was setup to compare 4 shots by me and friends of the same train at the same time, just to show our differing styles of shot and post processing. Friday 25 September 2009: This collection was setup to compare 4 shots by me and friends of the same train at the same time, just to show our differing styles of shot and post processing.

Shot 1 Shot 2 Shot 3 Shot 4 This is the same shot after work to rescue the shot. I'm not saying this shot specifically deserves rescuing, but it's more to show what's possible if required This is out of the box, dire light shot of 7812 arriving at Highley taken during the diesel gala

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Fri Sep 25 2009 September 2009 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1761051.html September 2009 Tuesday 1 September 2009: September 2009

221131 sits at New Street prior to an empty stock move Caught half still and half moving when the empty stock departs New Street 150251 waits at the bizarre platform 0 at Cardiff Central with an Ebbw Vale service 158767 and is at platform 1 at Newport beneath the old station offices 158767 seen as it departs for journeys end at Cardiff Central 43094 at the head of a Paddington to Cardiff express, next to a bench of slightly older Great Western branding A closer view of the bench contrasting with the latest operator on GW metals I was very fortunate to get this shot of 43384 leading a Leeds service that was delayed by an hour. 170108 is in platform 2 and was my unit forward to Nottingham, we had arrived 10 minutes early allowing me to get the shot 56303 starts yet another lease of life on the mainline, it's debut working was on hire to Colas Rail to work 6Z56 06:15 Washwood Heath to Boston Docks steel empties A closer look at the loco and it's rather green livery. I like it though A pair of Voyagers speed towards Derby One of CrossCountry's Class 170 fleet no. 170109 works a service bound for Nottingham 66017 is seen on an intermodal, annoyingly the only empty space on the whole train had to be right behind the loco. Bag of arse! 66227 leaves a light dusting as it powers away from Clay Mills loop on 4M11 Washwood Heath to Peak Forest A wider view of 66227 and the Peak Forest Cemex working The return of 56303 on 6Z57 from Boston Docks to Washwood Heath, seen at Elford loop with the sun having gone round a little too much 37609 passes Stenson junction on the front of 1Q14 having travelled the route from Derby 37059 was at the other end of 1Q14 and after a quicjk turnaround at Burton on Trent, it is seen as it accelerates away from Stenson Junction via Coalville Due to the failure of 56311 earlier in the week, Colas' own Class 47s headed to Dollands Moor to take over it's duties. This left the way clear for the very last (for now) 6Z48 from Burton West Yard to Dollands Moor to be hauled by a pair of Riviera Trains Class 47s no 47848 and 47839. The train is seen passing Elford loop 47848 thunders through Elford, not the noise of the engine, but the once round wheels 47848 clags away from a signal check and clags on through Bentley Heath crossing 90016 is at the head of a Freightliner air express, with a few containers on the rear A Pendolino passes the gallery at Ansty awaiting the grids on 4Z91 Another Pendolino passes a barge at Ansty 90041 is the second green 90 to pass Ansty, still waiting on the main event A Pendolino and the reflection that is getting stronger with the sun moving round The only Voyager that we saw go north while waiting 350119 and a nearly passing shot if you look closely on the right FINALLY. Last shot of the day, and it's another cracker as 56312 leads naughty boy 56311 on 4Z91 from Dollands Moor to Hams Hall A pair of grids head up the WCML 317887 is the lead unit arriving at Stansted Airport. i took this shot to emphasise the change of gradient as trains climb from the tunnel 323209 stands by the Navigation Street bridge with a London Midland service for Wolverhampton A pendolino and 323 unit pass at Proof House Junction With the London bound Pendolino in the background, 323203 bowls down the gradient of 'the dip' where the New Street lines dive under those at Birmingham Moor Street A panorama taken at the top of platforms 4&5 looking towards the Rotunda 150244 heads around the curve at Duffryn with a service from Cardiff Central to Taunton An FGW HST leans in to the curve on the fast line at Duffryn CrossCountry 170s 170519+520 are diagrammed to pair up, and are seen here working the 10:45 Cardiff-Nottingham service 37608 leads classmate 37607 at Stoke Pound as the test train accelerates to tackle the Lickey bank 31106 was held at Stoke Works junction for 37608s test train, and after a bit of horn play as the tractors passed, it was 31106s turn. The 31 went into the loop at Bankers Bridge to head south toward Cheltenham Spa This shot at Stoke Pound shows the two companies who operate Turbostars on the route, XC services to and from Cardiff and LM services to and from Hereford 60074 sits at Peak Forest awaaiting its next turn of duty 158852, an ex Central Trains unit, speeds in the last sun of the day up here, having just passed Edale 60049 rounds the curve on the approach to Brigg sidings with a freight from Tunstead A wider shot of 60049 as it approaches the tunnel and quarry at Hindlow 60074 got re-assigned to a freight from Dowlow, with lots of aggregate in tow Another shot of 60074 passing the quarry at Hindlow 66426 heads a southbound liner at Dutton, just south of the viaduct 86604+86627 work 4L92 in some very fortunate sunshine after a 30 minute late start Our first view of the imposing Harringworth viaduct after the early morning fog cleared

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Tue Sep 1 2009 August 2009 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1745431.html August 2009 Saturday 1 August 2009: August 2009

A Voyager pauses at Cheltenham Spa with a Bristol bound service 60061 thunders through Cheltenham Spa with the early 6E41 Westerleigh to Lyndsey tanks 153369 arrives with a stopping service to Swindon An HDR of a locomotive that requires no introduction The purpose of my visit to the NRM was to shoot a series of HDR photos of the re-streamlined Duchess of Hamilton Some close-up details of the bodywork showing the bulges for the cylinders and parts of the valve gear above the leading driving wheel Here are two different types of streamlined wheeled transport, a vision that was somewhat obsessed upon during the 1930s An overall view of the display the Duchess forms part of This is a close view of one of the headlamps designed to be in keeping with the whole livery and image of speed The people at Tyseley have done a fantastic job with the restoration, but on close inspection a few oddities can be seen like the uneven handrails at the smokebox end of the new streamlining Here we can see the cowlings around the buffers to help with the aerodynamics This close view shows one of the bulges included to accomodate the valve gear of the locomotive A view along the super sleek looking bodyside with the wheels and rods tucked underneath Just incase you wondered who made this loco there's a small acronym on the tender! I don't know which part this is but it must require constant access as it was deemed important enough to require a hole in the streamlined skin The Coronation class makes an imposing head on view for any potential jumpers I took this tight in view of an instantly recognisable loco at York. It is 55002 which has apparently recently acquired some radiators, one of which was found in the middle of some random cooling system that has nothing to do with a locomotive I very much believe in the philosophy 'If you don't ask, you don't get' so I asked the NRM staff if my camera and tripod could take a ride on the turntable without me expecting a no. To my surprise all they asked was I understood I was liable for any damage they suffered. This is one of the resulting 20 second exposures taken as LNWR loco 790 Hardwicke spun around in the Great Hall A different shot taken while Hardwicke spins on the NRM turntable. 87001 is clearly visible as the motion stopped momentarily Another nose on view of 55002 showing the distinctive window shape I paid my first visit ever to the roundhouse at Barrow Hill for the Type 5 Diesel Gala and was very impressed with the quality of exhibits. Sadly, much less impressive was the functioning of the air conditioning on the CargoD mk2 stock. Whether this was down to the stock or 47818 remains to be seen Two very different Type 5s are Advenza Railfreights 66841 and now preserved 56006 DTG loco D1015 Western Champion was one of a star lineup appearing at the gala Not to be outdone was classmate D1023 Western Fusilier clagging out the area on Not one to be outdone was classmate D1023 Western Fusilier on loan from the NRM My associate Chris turns out to be not only a bus ned, but here I can reveal a big shed ned too! The Class 56 group have done a stupendous job of restoring 56101 which was one of three class members to be running on the day An arty angle of cabs from Classes 97, 45 and the roof of a Western too. I admit the idea for this shot was taken off my wife who thought of it first Even though it belongs on freight 56101 can't fail to fit in with the retro theme helped along by the mk2 stock Another shot of 56101 working the passenger turns East meets West as 55022 heads out to work the stock 55022 Royal Scots Grey looks every inch the star of the 1980s revival with matching stock to complete an impressive scene I won't apologise for including another shot of RSG on the stock Now the turn of BR blue star 56006 as it passes the Deltic after an embarrassing episode where they almost tried shunting it into 56101 66841 was the last to work the passenger train Here is an impressive line up of cross era locomotives Two blue Type 5s bask in the wonderful weather we were blessed with at Barrow Hill What a difference a few years in loco design has. Ironically only one of these locks was actually built in England My favourite shot of the weekend has to be this one, showing resplendant pairing 20096 and 20107 outside the roundhouse building. I put a lot of effort in to this shot using both my polariser and an ND grad filter combined After the disappointment of last week I went out to shoot the XC HST working 1V50 08:30 Leeds to Plymouth on it's booked route via Stourbridge. Here the train is viewed as it rounds the curve in to Droitwich Spa Josh looks on from the ladders I'd intended taking the photo from as 37906 trundles in to Hampton Loade station. We heard this from the moment it departed Highley thanks to the valley shape and the lack of silencer on the loco The often overlooked station at Hampton Loade. The wonderfully captured sky is again thanks to my Sigma 10-20mm lens 66177 creeps south with empty tanks around the yard at Leicester station 66060 passes through a rain lashed Cardiff Central A comedy duo arrive with a Valley Lines service. I'm guessing commuters don't find them funny, even when they have to stand up! 175110 awaits the go ahead to proceed forward to platform 2a in the stunning Welsh water show 175007 and 150121 still in Silverlink clothing contrast how far recent train design has come on For the purpose of having a standby loco at Cardiff Canton Arriva double headed the WAG service from Holyhead. By doing this they save on pathing and traincrew too The weather was still far from ideal and these shots were taken with my nifty fifty 143608 is the rear unit of a pairing being despatched to Penarth

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Sat Aug 1 2009 July 2009 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1727504.html July 2009 Wednesday 1 July 2009: July 2009

37670 is seen near at Cofton Hackett as it returns from Long Marston to Bescot with a single DVT 66186 heads up the Lickey with some steel empties Another view of 66186 making steaduy progress After 66186 passed, there was an almighty downpour, the results of which can be seen evaporating 'Thriller' style as 66841 brings 18 scrap emty wagons up the Lickey, wheelspinning like crazy 37602 moved a stoneblower from Taunton to the Nene Valley railway and is seen at Pikes Pool in better weather 170102 is heading to Burton on Trent with the 12:37 Nottingham-New St and 170523+522 head away with the 10:45 Cardiff-Nottingham 47727+739 lead 6Z48 away from Burton west yard with a delayed start A wider shot of the duffs with their load of 18 wagons 66131 climbs the Lickey at Vigo Bridge with a very heavy load of cars and vans, this view showing Bromsgrove station in the rear illustrates the gradient vary well as all of the land leading up to foot of the hill on the horizon is basically level Returning in somewhat better light than the previus day, 66841 rolls down the Lickey at Vigo Bridge woth 6V95 from Stockton to Cardiff Tidal Another shot of 66841 at Vigo Bridge 323207 is seen on 2R86 20:27 New St-Lichfield Trent Valley as the low summer sun drops ever closer to the horizon 43378 leads a diverted HST set south past Stourbridge Junction signalbox My first shot of the Parry People Mover and it's 139002, seen departing for Stourbridge Town Josh has a quick bellow at some veg whilst on the SVR Josh stands at Bridgnorth with his Grandad next to Pannier tank 5764 A more creative effort at Bridgnorth Josh has a doss in the comfort of a Mk1 Compo Arley station (SVR) A shot of Arley station (SVR) taken from the road bridge Whilst travelling on the LNER stock, I noticed that you could see a sequence of refl;ections of the oval mirrors. The final image is HDR, and the smallest mirror is the last mirror on the same side of the carriage as the largest visible mirror, which is one from the closest end to me Trying to be creative again whilst rain stops play I stopped off at Abbotswood Junction on our return from camping and got this FGW HST heading in to Worcester Followed a few minutes later by the last XC HST to head north from the South West Mr Sheen??? I didn;t know you were at the Lickey today 43366 leads the Fridays only HST southbound for the summer weekend workings, seen at Vigo Bridge The Great Central held a Mail by Rail gala on 25/26 July with some more recent acquisitions from the shed at Euston These are genuine tags for mailbags, to designate what post had to head where on arrival at London St Pancras in this case This lock and key were fitted as a security response to the 'Great Train robbery' (how great can the robbery when you all get caught). The key is known as a French key, for reasons unknown to me A closeup of one of the mailbag tags One of the much vaunted Fairburn tanks 42085 hauls the TPO train through Kinchley Lane Another shot of the Fairburn after passing the TPO demonstration site at Quorn station All of the TPO vehicles catered for every town and village imaginable, the number of pigeon holes in one vehicle is staggering And I found this pigeon hole for a city just about served by the Great Central itself This is the Royal Mail emblem on the fuel tank of a telegram boys motorbike. Before the telephone was common place, the sound of one of these could bring both joy and despair in equal measure, depending on the news within Here is a selection of postboxes in one of the LNER TPO coaches which is now used as a static museum. When these vehicles were superceded by the Mk1 based fleet there were in the region of 255 daily mail trains throughout the BR network I am always fascinated by the old adverts at preserved railway lines. I'm thinking the tag line 'Red Bell gives you luunnngg....... CANCER' wouldn;t have increased sales dramatically 9C27 was formed of the demonstration windcutter set led by Class 25 D5185 and Class 26 D5401. The pair clag up Quorn after getting the road to Rothley cleared Another view of the pollutants as they pass the static Royal Mail vehicles of RVP Southern locomotive 30777 'Sir Lamiel' speeds through the catching equipment at Quorn and you can see the mail bags that are about to be caught by the net ahngin out of the carriage The Great Centrals DMU coasts into Quorn from Rothley Class 45 D123 slows to stop at Quorn with passengers and staff alike looking on BR Standard Class 2 78019 passes Kinchley lane on the Souhtern green Mk1s (all bar the maroon caoch on the rear!) A wider view of the heavily vegetated location, for this and the next shot I stood on the bridge to gain some much needed height The BR Type 2 pairing are in charge of the last TPO run seen heading towards Rothley 158959 heads towards Newport with a service that has just left the Severn Tunnel. It is passing pointwork awaiting installation and has just crossed the path of the 170 in the distance A First Great Western HST takes the crossover towards the Severn Tunnel in a junction layout that has always surprised me. With the bulk of traffic and the most important passenger services the Great Western mainline is the one which slows to diverge from the Chepstow route, and not the other way around 67005 leads a Cardiff to Taunton service in to Severn Tunnel Junction where the train calls. This loco has been drafted in due to problems with the usual class member allocated to the diagram 150283 heads away from Severn Tunnel Junction with a stopping service from Cheltenham to Maesteg As the 150 passes under the M4 59204 heads across the junction with a heavily delayed Machen to West Drayton freight

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Wed Jul 1 2009 Welcome to my world! http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1726410.html A collection of images from the cab of 170107 Wednesday 10 June 2009: A collection of images from the cab of 170107

The cab of 170107, combined from a 8 photo sequence A driver can use his key to operate any of the isolating switches pictured here, mostly covering braking and safety systems This is the second mans side Door Control Panel (DCP) with the key in the Door Key Switch) This is a hammer for smashing a window in case of emergency Although daunting looking courtesy of the warning sticker, this is actually the primary method to release the cab doors Here we can see the fire extisguisher and track circuit clips. Whilst the sign to the fire extinguisher may seem a little obvious, all of these notices glow in the dark in case it is at night time and you lose the cab lighting As if anyone doesn't know by now. Amazingly, some people still defy this notice! These switches control the headlights, tail lights, marker lights and the roof light. There is also a proving panel provided to show what you are currently showing It is quite common for drivers to become annoyed by the light given off from the train lighting on button, hence the black marker scribbled on to it A helpful reminder of the buzzer codes, some of which will not be heard yet on a Class 170 (at least at XC) On the ex Midland Mainline Class 170/1 the cab aircon is neither as easy to use, or effective as the later units ordered by Central Trains For those cold winter mronings at Tyseley, creature comforts A close view of the DRA, which a driver uses to reind him that the next signal is red. As well as glowing brightly, especially in the dark, it will not allow power to be applied until the DRA is extinguished This DCP is in the centre of the cab and in its current for is never to be used. Hence the missing buttons. Tyseley will take buttons from any other available place to replace faulty buttons on the operative DCPs The couple and uncouple buttons have covers over them to ensure they are not pressed by accident At the top we see some helpful reminders of what routes can be input into the Passenger Information System (PIS) which controls (in theory) the internal and external displays. On the bottom is the NRN radio for emergency communication, IF YOU HAVE RECEPTION This handset can be used for PA announcements, Cab to Cab communications and by a driver to speak to a passenegr after activating a PassCOM (which is usually in unintentionally activated the disabled toilet!) Just incase you weren't sure what unit you were in Some more basic warnings around the cab ....but it takes an absolute AAGGEE to reach it! The top left indicator will illuminate when the doors are rekeased or a cab door is opened. The top right will illuminate when the person invariably presses it in the disabled toilet. The bottom left is a reminder that you have isolated one of the safety systems switches shown earlier, and the big yellow button is to acknowledge a cautionary aspect from the AWS The combined pwer and break lever on Class 170s makes them to some degree easier to drive. Tu big button in the end of the handle nearest the camera is for hillstarts, once traction is gained from the engines you release the button to move off A bank of circuit breakers (MCB) that are above and behind the drivers seat in the cab This is a coat hook, and not a boss-eyed strange squid like two limbed animal This is where the driver earns nearly £50k a year!! This antenna is used to confirm (sometimes wrongly) the location of the train, so the PIS can show which station is next or being called at This lever operates the wipers, and if you press the nobbled end downwards it sprays washer fluid (or water if it wasn't at Tyseley overnight) across the screens too A closer view of the fire extinguisher, which shows the four things that need to be checked when you board the train (not that we are allowed anywhere near enough time for these checks). First and most obvious, the expiry date of the extinguisher, secondly the pressure gauge must fall in the green section, the yellow pin must be intact as well as the green tie both of which show the extinguisher has not been used since it's last technical examination and servicing took place An external view of 170107 at Nottingham awaiting departure back to Birmingham with a Cardiff Central service What todo when stuck for four hours behind a failed freight train?? So, I took details shots of my unit, as we had detrained at Lydney. This is the gangway in to First Class One of the many sets of double leaf doors to feature on a Class 170, with their warning stickers and buttons clearly visible Thisis the door vestibule outside of first class Standard class seating layout in one of the driving vehicles This is the small, non-disabled friendly toilet on a 170 Opposite is an area currently closed off (and wasting soace). This is where we are rumoured to be getting a basin and microwave for the trolley staff to get a bit more exotic A view inside the small toilet The seat number and antimacassars in First Class 'I'm watching you!' the spy hole provided from the cab to the passenger saloon Seat labelling in First Class Turbostars are full of labels, telling everyone where everything is The number and location of seats are explained on the labels

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Wed Jun 10 2009 New XC Uniform http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1726405.html I was asked to photograph some staff wearing the new uniform for XC manufactured by the Wensum Company (the less said the better) Monday 13 July 2009: I was asked to photograph some staff wearing the new uniform for XC manufactured by the Wensum Company (the less said the better)

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Mon Jul 13 2009 New Street station buildings http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1713169.html A collection of photos showing the station structures at New Street, some with trains in too Tuesday 16 June 2009: A collection of photos showing the station structures at New Street, some with trains in too

A redo of the stairwell doors at New St but with more empty platforms Gneral view of the top end of Platform 2a The alphabetical flip charts for customer connections It's not just Tic-Tacs that are full of refreshnig little lifts you know On of the 'a' end waiting rooms at New St Sadly, not many HSTs stop here, and if they do it's rarely on Platform 3 Is it me, or does this whole thing look like an after thought? PF warnings and the stroage of ramps are newer additions to the station The central waiting room on Platforms 4&5, only Platforms 6&7 don't have one of these New St box seen in portrait with a new tower involving John Frieda in someway but I can't remember the name of it Seen with the Debenhams building in the lower foreground, this is a 3D model of how Birmingham New Street Gateway project should turn out This view shows the new entrance that will be alongside platform 12 and provide a new entrance. I couldn't tell if the Navigation Street entrance will still be open, but I can't think why they'd close it Here we can clearly see the mishmash of roads which characterise the western end of New Street station. Apart from the changes to the car park above, and the appearance of the Navigation Street footbridge, not much change can be seen A close in view of the Navigation Street footbridge at the western end of New Street station. This will now extend to platform 12, and so I'd also imagine platform 1 will be incorporated too This is a closer view of the southern entrance to New Street station. It seems so logical to have this entrance as it's the only side of the station that roads are at platform level, but for whatever reason this was not an area utilised much before. This area did previously house a lot of infrastructure for the Royal Mail trains, but now some parking has to be moved, along with most of the on board crew (except drivers) from CrossCountry train services based at New Street Looking in to what used to be the west dock, alongside platform 12. The track and overhead wires have now been removed, presumably so that work on the footbridge extension and new entrance can begin Taken from the end of platform 12b, looking west, you can see where the track and even points have been removed from the west dock A vertical view of the plain line from platform 12b, replacing the pointwork in to the west dock From under the roof, you can also see the strange cacophony of buildings for shunters and other staff that have been squeezed in. This is one of many areas of the station that are like individual, isloated labyrinths With a London Midland turbostar bound for Hereford in platform 12b, we can claerly see where the track once lay. This dock was used for storage of standby locos, the station pilot Class 08 and latterly units for empty stock working or that had failed in service

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Tue Jun 16 2009 Trains in and around New Street station http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1713168.html A collection of photos showing the changing face of services through the Midlands from New Street station or Proof House Junction Tuesday 16 June 2009: A collection of photos showing the changing face of services through the Midlands from New Street station or Proof House Junction

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Tue Jun 16 2009 June 2009 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1708240.html June 2009 Monday 1 June 2009: June 2009

66594 shunts an intermodal train at Lawley Street Frightliner terminal 66152 at the head of a Bescot-Barry Docks freight passes Sugarbrook near Bromsgrove Another shot of 66152, as this was the first time I've got to shoot it 221122, proving me wrong on an earlier description as it leaves Derby for the second time. This unit worked the 06:37 Nottingham to Bournemouth but originally got signalled back out to Spondon The NMT set sits at Derby before it's next duty 150002 heads away from Englands 2nd city with the landmarks of Rotunda, The BT tower and Selfridges as it approaches Small Heath DRS moved five Class 20s for storage at Eastleigh and they are seen at Small Heath Another close up of the convoy of locos at Small Heath 150001, my second scud of the afternoon with a Class 153 stuck in the end for capacity 170116 heads a Cardiff to Nottingham service towards Birmingham at Pirton 43301 is the lead power car of 1E63 from Plymouth as it speeds toward Birmingham A wider shot of the HST at Pirton I went out to shoot the Colas 47s to Dollands Moor again, seen at Rising Road, Lapworth A wider shot of the Colas 47s at Lapworth An FGW HST heads in to Evesham with a London Paddington service The rear power car of the same HST 47580 drags 50026, 50135 and 73006 from one open day to another, I feel sorry for anyone booked to go to both as it'll look very samey 73006 catches the sun beautifully as it heads toward Evesham 66080 on a steel train approaching Tredington crossing A Voyager heads North at Tredington Artistic effort of a CrossCountry Class 170 at tredington crossing 43304 leads it's HST set North from Cheltenham as it speeds toward its next stop at New St A wider view of the whole HST set at Tredington A close in pan of 220022 as it speeds South An UID Class 66 in EWS livery, photographed by an enthusiast as it goes across the level crossing The NMT jumped out and surprised us as it went South The 18:12 New St-Plymouth is diagrammed to be a double Voyager set 323219 leads a double set into the terminus station at Redditch Dark looming skys over New St, mainly due to the HDR process, but brighter times are ahead with the rebuild 08536, moved but still on Etches Park after 20 years in exile, why haven't they just moved it along?? 222016 is seen in an HDR of Nottingham, it was taken because of the summer extreme of light and shade 156406 runs in to the impressive Nottingham station 156414 leaves Nottingham A view of 'the viaduct' at Proof House Junction which carries the line to Aston over the West Coast Mainline to London Euston 323211 weaves its way accross Proof House Junction..... ....and rolls down the gradient of 'the dip' as it approaches a red signal Any one for a nice thick slice of TPO? Here we see gangway ends from two NSAs and one NBA Not the normal kind of stock associated with fastline but the netwrok definately needs this 66061 leads a train of scrap away from Derby under blue skys the full load of the train was 19 box wagons full of scrap (who knows what it may have been before?) A Photomerge effort of Leicesters Midland station, the original being 7200 pixels accross in total. It is made of constituent images taken at 100mm focal length 222009 arrives at Leicester with a classmate attached while on their way to London St Pancras 43055 leads an old livery HST out of Nottingham with a train to London St Pancras DOMESTIC! An hour later the sun would have been perfect and it was th full EMT liveried set too 57316 leads the WAG Holyhead-Cardiff service towards Alexandra Docks having just passed Gaer Junctiion It's not very often I'm indecisive but I couldn't choose which orientation to crop this shot of 57316 66841 works a Cardiff Tidal bound scrap train passed Stoke Works in less than ideal weather but good to see it work through my backyard finally 317657 speed blurred leaving Cambridge 365539 is speed blurred as it arrives to divide. The front unit went on to Kings Lynn 153306 on a commuter Ipswich servcie

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Mon Jun 1 2009 A brief editing tutorial http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1703328.html A brief editing tutorial Tuesday 26 May 2009: A brief editing tutorial

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Tue May 26 2009 May 2009 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1694646.html May 2009 Friday 1 May 2009: May 2009

66200 heads a Lackenby to Margam service through Stoke Works and on towards Cheltenham A closer view of 66200 and it's train 5Z21 produced my first shot of a Royal loco as 47798 was in charge. It is seen having clagged out the houses at the back as it accelerated to Gloucester I won't apologise for including more shots of this And one final one, I decided on the lower angle here because last year the vegetation made it impossible so I thought I'd get it before it grows up again Loram track machine standing outside Derby RTC 37667 looks fresh in house colours of new operator DRS D1755 (47773) stands in the East Dock at New Street awaiting the return of 86259 on a charter from Preston A busy scene at Nottingham Eastcroft as 5 units can be seen. Of course I took this from a 6th unit as well A pan of an East Midland 222 running into Nottingham 142002 dpearts CArdiff Central with an empty stock having detached from a 150 in the station 43169 'The National Trust' is at the head of a Swansea service as the light gets low in Cardiff 66155 assists failed 66002 on a freight just East of Newport An Arriva 175 emerges from the slow line tunnel at Gaer Junction Coming the other way we see an EWS Class 66 racing an FGW Class 158 towards Newport 158952 also on the slow as it emerges from the older of the two tunnels at Gaer Junction 66145 heads empty steel wagons bound for Margam The station is blank for a forum question LNER A4 60009 'Union of South Africa' arrives at York with the Coronation railtour from Edinburgh, but where's the headboard that Tornado later sports??? A NXEC HST stands at platform 9 and a Voyager waits to follow it North from platform 11 at York The driver of 221128 must be an angry vampire or something One of Firsts 185 Desiros wears a Liverpool '08 promotional livery and is seen arriving at York Restoration at it's best! Here is LMS 7P Coronation (4)6229 'Duchess of Hamilton' arriving at York from Tyseley having traveleed to the NRM behind 47773/D1755 with 3 chocolate and cream carriages A close up of the stunning work done on the Duchess York station roof frames one of the clocks beautifully 60163 'Tornado' took over the Coronation railtour at York after a loayover of 2 hours and speeds through Doncaster centre roads towards London kings Cross. This was the final day of a 3-day tour, incidentally 3 of the 12 carriages were standard class! GWR King 6000 'King George V' in a smaller scale at Bromsgrove SME The gauge one section of the track had three track running and sidings. Most of these locos were oil or gas fired Another LMS loco steams around A midland 4-4-0 Josh and Gem have a ride behind the king Am I seeing double? It's King George V again, but in an even smaller scale now! I can't resist panning the model locos either, must be the elevated track Josh has a ride again with Grandad this time A Voyager climbing the Lickey at Vigo bridge A Peak and a Voyager on the Lickey at the same time!! Danger Danger, very slow Turbostar approaching 66024 heads an empty steel train up the gradient 47237 had been looped at Bromsgrove so couldn't have a flyer at the bank This gave me plenty of chance for more shots as it snarled and clagged away A corporate Arriva shot as XC 170523 arrives at Leicester whilst an Arriva bus departs the station front 170117 was hot on the heels of 170523 with a service to Stansted Airport 170523 now having coupled to the unit I left behind (can't remember the number at the moment) How lucky was this, I couldn't zoom out any further as two of East Midlands Trains fleet pass under New Walk, the Meridian heading for London and the HST having left there sometime earlier 66731 caught me out working 3 FGW mk3s through New St Platform 1, luckily I had time to get the camera out as I departed on the 19:22 to Stansted A close-up of the Voyager coupling systems. On the left is unit 220005 and on the right 220022 ( the only palendromic number in CrossCountrys entire fleet!) 150232 heads a Westbury service through Abbotswood having rejoined the mainline from Worcester Two maintenance workers have a very hot 5 mile walk from Abbotswood to Eckington on the cards A non-tilt tilting Voyager heads North at Abbotswood 43301 showing signs of MTU clag after only a year as it powers up from the 90mph restriction fo Abbotswood Junction

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Fri May 1 2009 April 2009 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1677803.html April 2009 Wednesday 1 April 2009: April 2009

24081 shunts around it's stock at Winchcombe 'Is it time to go yet?' Platform staff checking the time Winchcombe station HDR (take in to the sunlight) 47105 arrives from Cheltenham Racecourse I wanted to try this out for effect I've uploaded this shot again, but this time the BR blue is slightly less hyper If the stock didn't give it away this could be the 1970s! 31162 (in pre-TOPS 5580 guise) at the moment of token exchange at Winchcombe Black & White version An extreme HDR (I don't normally do them this way) of 92203 'Black Prince' at Toddington 57010 heads passed Walsall cement terminal with 6Z75 MOD nuclear flasks from Keyham to Crewe. I believe this waste is from nuclear powered submarines. The wagons are KUA 95770 & 95771 A closer shot of 57010 A close up of one of the flask wagons. Obviously very heavy to have 2 bogies on each end 37605 & 37610 work 6M67 through Penkridge. I had to pan this shot stood on my ladders to avoid the dreaded Bullocks, who all surrounded us by the fence despite them being in a field with a public footpath A close up of the pair of DRS 37s as they catch the glint from the low evening sun at Penkridge 365503 stands at Cambridge in fading light (HDR) Another HDR image of 365503 317515 stands in Platform 2 in Cambridge One of the special liveries applied to a 365 standing next to a 317 in Nat-Ex livery 365531 in its special livery at Cambridge A rare catch, and even more annoying that the camera didn't focus properly. Here we see the rail grinding train in New Street performing a reversal 222017 arrives into Leicester and credit must go to East Mids because with all this white the livery still looks very clean so long after this was the first recipient of the colour scheme 170521 is seen stabkled at Leicester. I photographed this unit for Bachmann and it should be available later as an N gauge model Passengers at Leicester prepare to board the 18:15 to Stansted which is formed by 170639 the last c-car 170 to display Central Trains livery The hussle at Leicester 158882 in SWT colours (well branding) at Leicester stood next to 170520 222013 stands at Leicester with a Nottingham service. It's very hard to photograph from this angle due to the advertising boards in the centre of the two lines Here we can see 158882 and 170521 stabled for the night 170113 was stabled next to my train home to New Street that night Not much difference since the liveries, here we see 170518 and 170113 cab to cab at Leicester 9701 stands outside Derby with 31285 at the rear after the driver has changed ends having left Derby RTC 158798 awaits the tip at Cardiff Central with a service for Portsmouth Harbour 66213 heads a freight past an FGW HST at Cardiff Canton 66213 accelerates up the gradient to Cardiff Central 67025 'Western Service' leads the empty stock FGW mk2 set from Taunton A possible shot I spotted while walking around New St showing a Pendolino reflected in the station sign An alternative angle of the previous shot, I prefer this one despit the Pendolino being obstructed by the lettering 66510 on coal at Washwood Heath 66114 works an intermodal at Washwood Heath with the mothballed yard in the background 47749 'Demelza' and 47739 'Robin of Templecombe' worked a load 12 6Z48 seen at Washwood Heath. Much improved as lately the train had become shorter and only had one loco on too A widert view of Washwood Heath with 6Z48 passing After just missing the 47s at Saltley AND Small Heath (my fault) we can see 6Z48 powering up towards Acocks Green Just as 6Z48 approaches Acocks Green we can see the tracks splitting for the former GWR island platform 150002 at New Street on platform 12a. 150s largely have disappeared from New St exept on weekends Another shot of scud 2 at New St 43321 awaits witha service to Leeds, surrounded by station signs and a crescent of 'Way out' signs 390026 waits at New Street with a service to Wolverhampton A look across from platform 2 to platform 12 at New Street A Pendolino waits at New Street with a London Euston service Another rare sight, an Arriva Class 150 stands at New Street with a service to Birmingham International. This unit used to be seen regularly when it worked for Central Trains

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Wed Apr 1 2009 March 2009 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1664310.html March 2009 Sunday 1 March 2009: March 2009

Arriva Trains Wales crews are far too familiar with this section of track at Cardiff Canton. This is where service trains in both directions and shunting trains (such as mine) meet up and run out of space! 47145 sits at Gloucester looking destitute, as do the wagon and two locos in the background siding too 150014+150214 are seen paired up working 2C18 09:36 Kidderminster-Dorridge as the train nears Blakedown station 66074 heads a quite long freight (for the credit crunch) towards Blakedown British Railways 8P 71000 'Duke of Gloucester' crosses Falling Sands viaduct on it's way into Kidderminster to start the day. This was the first of a 3 day steam gala on the SVR with 'the Duke' being one of the big attractions LNER A4 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' named after it's designer was another star guest at the railway. Running sadly the wrong way round, it is seen shortly after leaving Kidderminster Glorious! 71000 accelerates over the viaduct with it's train bound for Bridgnorth The previous shot was about the reflection, this one shows a fuller view of the train crossing Falling Sands viaduct Another BR standard 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' was a big draw at the event and is seen here emerging from the tunnel approaching Bewdley with some photographers exhaust (it's downhill from here!) A wider view of Cromwell passing the former rifle range Complete with authentic GWR train ID 5029 'Nunney Castle' passes the gallery of photographers as it speeds toward the tunnel Getting in on the facial adornment act, 7812 'Earlstoke Manor' is seen near Bewdley with a 'Cambrian Coast Express' headboard on the front Star attraction and priority shot was for 60007 heading south with the teak stock seen near Bewdley I decided that for some of the timetable where every train ran tender first, I would pan the locomotives at a slow shutter speed. Here 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' catches the sunlight as it coasts down towards Eardington (disused) station The only other appearance in the sun was 7812 'Earlstoke Manor' seen as it works hard up the gradient towards Bridgnorth 5029 'Nunney Castle' still with GWR type id, but this time a different one, shuts off having reached Eardington summit with a train for Kidderminster A closer shot of Nunney Castle Perfect timing captures A4 60007 as it climbs Eardington bank at the top end The only pan I risked of a loco facing the correct way was 7812 'Earlstoke Manor' seen here from high ground as it snakes down Eardington bank BR standard 71000 'Duke of Gloucester' took it's turn to be shot at speed This was another must have photo, 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' crosses Oldbury viaduct accelerating up to Eardington summit with a Kidderminster train. If only the weather would have helped this could have been perfection 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' speeds up Eardington bank viewed from very near the summit 71000 'Duke of Gloucester' gets in on the game of wearind headboards featuring 'The Great Briton' which it hauled a part of in 2008 The crew were playing to the photographers so we all got exhaust, but really the engine could have flattened Eardington bank Last shot of the gala, 60007 crossing Falling Sands viaduct again, the last of the sun for Sunday as it went in two minutes before Duke of Gloucester presented the same photo opportunity A closeup of the CrossCountry HST with red nose at Plymouth having terminated An overall view of the HST set at Plymouth And now with the station in too A wide view at Plymouth showing the whole train and station sign too Some of the stafff on board who volunteered to collect donations from the travelling public The HST and it's red nose stand under the roof at Bristol Temple Meads A close up of the HST power car under TEmple Meads roof A Riviera Trains Class 47 fest was seen at Croome Perry when 5Z72 Crewe-Eastleigh produced no less than three, all in different liveries. Leading the train is 47843 'Vulcan', 47853 'Express' and on the rear was 47769 'Resolve'. The train was made up of 2 ex Virgin mk2s, 1 maroon mk1 and an Anglia livery mk2 Whilst waiting for 6Z37 to appear, due to lateness this HST came through from Norton Junction to Evesham first The main event, 6Z37 powered by 20901+20905 dragging 37672, 412, 029 and 4 PFA wagons approaches Evesham at Ryden Farm A wider view of the whole train approaching Evesham One of the refurbished XC HST sets speed past Elford Loop heading towards Plymouth 90046 heads out of Nuneaton on the slow lines northbound 47245 is seen on a WCRC empty stock to Carnforth A shot of the appalling water problems they have at Stansted. When you consider the station is barely 18 years old Another view of New Street showing the pattern of the despatch panels and waiting rooms at the 'b' ends of the platforms from 9 to 1, taken from 10b

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Sun Mar 1 2009 February 2009 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1647422.html February 2009 Sunday 1 February 2009: February 2009

A Voyager speeds up the Lickey at Vigo Bridge passing through recently fallen sow 170102 doesn't do quite as impressive a job due to it's slower climb Another Voyager is seens as the snow a stopped falling 170630 heads up slowly after it's stop at Bromsgrove 170109 heads towards the Lickey at Stoke Pound shortly before more snow fell 170630 is seen this time at Stoke Pound on it's way to Hereford 43301 leads a very late 11:12 New St to Plymouth. There had been another deluge between this and the previous shot Even more rare for FGW these days are their own units, the Class 180 Adelantes. Here we see 180102 on a service to Worcester at Lower Moor 66725 'Sunderland' had travelled from Wembley to Long Marston to collect a Class 86 bound for Hungary. 86248 now wearing the colours of new operator Floyd heads to Crewe for testing before moving abroad 86248 can be seen on the rear of 0Z90 at Lower Moor 66301 heads 4G09 passed Stoke Pound 86248 seen again on the rear as it is about to enter the goods loop at Bromsgrove SHortly after leaving the lop 66725 digs in to the Lickey incline with the 86 in tow. I can't see this being much of a struggle for the shed 221137 makes a nice Xmas card scene as it passes Pikes Pool 170105 catches the morning light at Pikes Pool as the overnight snow begins to melt I have to confess this is doctored, by request to show 43207 leading an HST up the Lickey at Pikes Pool. The train was actually heading down the bank to Plymouth when photographed today The right track again as another 5 car Voyager climbs the lIckey through the beautiful scenery 323209 is seen climbing out of Alvechurch with Mr and Mrs Frsoty looking on from a field near the M42 323219 passes the two snowy spotters near Alvechurch The one time I'd have liked the sun to stay in, this is a backlit shot of 323219 climbing away from Alvechurch. I took this to give the illusion that my footprints were the snowmens First Hull Trains Pioneer and a Gatwick Express Mk2, all classic hall marks that you're in Derby of course 31465 makes a smokey start to signify the end of a lot of hard work, when this arrived as a rusty hulk in January 2008. Now it is running again prior to running in tests on the mainline 158865, minus it's rear end is seen at Nottingham Eastcroft catching the early morning light 153311 at Nottingham having terminated Another shot of 31465 completing it's cold start routine 323214 traverses Proof House Jcn with a service for Walsall 82303 heads a Wrexham & Shropshire into New Street 158783 in East Midlands Trains colours at the east end of Nottingham 66035 stands at Nottingham with a pair of cranes in tow A detail shot of one of the cranes, something you don't often get the chance to photograph 67017 'Arrow' shunts at Cardiff Central having arrived from Taunton 33202 is loaded on to a trailer at Gloucetser A side view of the trailer, without any wheels yet, at Gloucester Left a bit, right a bit, I could imagine the Chuckle Brothers making a right hash of this and setting fire to the loco. Oh, hang on............... Seen here on the A441 at Bordesley is 323231 TS car and an Allelys Heavy Haulage tractor. This is the first time I've shot a moving train and low loader combination Brand new Class A1 60163 Tornado has had it's nameplates unveiled at York by HRH Prince of Wales (and her royal horseyness Camilla). The loco is now seen hauling the Royal Train passed Burton Salmon on it's way to Leeds. Thoroughly worth the lack of sleep and lots of driving! 170113 inside London Midlands Tyseley depot An XC Voyager heads towards Birmingham at Tyseley Another shot of the Voyager 66571 came down the straight from Small Heath in it's own patch of sun The sun hung around for the wideangle shot too 150015 works into Tyseley from Shirley 43384 just before departure from Bristol Temple Meads A pair of FGW HSTs and a 158 to boot 150249 pauses in the splendour of Temple Meads Another shot of 150249 150127 still wears Silverlink colours and is seen heading out of Weston

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Sun Feb 1 2009 January 2009 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1636657.html January 2009 Thursday 1 January 2009: January 2009

43207 is at the head of 1S51 Plymouth to Glasgow as it catches the rays of the setting winter sun at Blackwell, just after stroming over the Lickey incline summit The first service on the GCR diesel event was run by the recently returned Class 101 DMU. It is seen here as it stands at Leicester North. The day was bitterly cold and the working heat of this train was a welcome start After the 3 of us suffered at Quorn awaiting D123 for what should have been a 4 minute connection, we decided to head out to Kinchley Lane, where only the idiotic member of the family would get cold waiting for the train, as Josh and Gemma lived it up in the warm car! This is the first public run on the GCR of the steam heat van, seen behind the peak and acquired from Ireland after it's withdrawal and the fitment of correct sized bogies. I don't know of this is also the first preserved service in the UK to have a steam heat van provided Here we see BR Standard Class 2 78019 providing steam heat and with steam seemingly free to leave any hole as well as the chimney too. Later on in the day the same train at the same location and nothing beyond the first driving wheels were visible due to leaking steam D123 top n tails a Rothley shuttle service with D6535 and an immaculate set of Southern green Mk1 carriages BR Class 27 D5401 passes Kinchley Lane on the RB set with the steam heat van. By this time the heating had failed however Black and White shot of 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' sitting on Loughborough shed at night 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' was sat in a perfect spot at Loughborugh Engine Shed, and looks like it was taking part in a night shoot between the lights of the yard. The shot has been enhanced by multiple exposures to make an HDR image Another HDR image is this one showing the station at Loughborough and D5041 standing beside it waiting for the last service of the day. Sadly, due to the failure of the steam heat, we could not be on this service for fear of death! 158901 departs from Nottingham with the 14:11 Northern Rail service to Leeds 170521 stands in Leicester at platform 4 awaiting departure to Birmingham New Street 158794 awaits despatch from Nottingham with the 18:11 to Leeds 43081 is at the front of a London St Pancras DOMESTIC servcie (sorry but EMT annoy me with their announcements) Another view of 43081 at Nottingham The unique for CrossCountry headlight clusters on 170398 can be seen as it waits to form the 18:37 Nottingham to New Street service 153308 still wears a very Wessex Trains colour scheme despite having subsequently worked for First Great Western adn now East Midlands Trains Not only in need of a repaint, 153308 could do with a good wash! 170106 still wears a combination of Midland Mainline, Central Trains and Cross Country liveries, complete with the yellow stripe to show 1st class in the refurbished interior 170639 is the last 3-car Class 170 to still wear Central Trains colours and is pictured at Stamford whilst working the 16:52 New St-Cambridge service. Like the prvious photo, note the yellow line denoting first class on the refurbished interior of the unit 170639 is now seen having terminated at Cambridge in bay platform 6 A National Express East Anglia Class 153 sits in bay platform 5 at Cambridge Still wearing long defuct Anglia colours is 170273 in Cambridge bay platform 6 And this is the other end of 170273 CrossCountry, mind the gap. A close-up of the reflected warning on the cab front of 170638 DRS locos 37682 and former Blue Pullman 47712 stand in the sidings at York A taste of what is to come courtesy of one of the stewards vests. The nameplates won't appear for another few weeks One or two people decided to turn out for the occassion of Tornado'f first run with passengers on the mainline I know that the shot is 'piked' but the sun was all wrong and I wanted to show the number of people in this view 86902 stands beneath the magnificent roof at York 'The SE&CR, Wainwright D, No 737 was a 4-4-0 express locomotive built in Ashford at the turn of the century. There were fifty-one of these locomotives and a large number, because of their robust construction, survived well into the 1950s' taken from the NRM website 4COR unit 3131 motor car 11179 was built in 1937 and withdrawn by BR in 1972 This wonderful Terence Cuneo canvas of a busy London Waterloo canvas arrived at the NRM in 2007, the first time it has appeared outside of London on public display. It is the largest canvas Cuneo ever painted, measuring a staggering 20ft by 10ft This is an LNWR Motor open third brake from an EMU of 1915 vintage. It's amazing tis idea was so old and still we have lines run by DMU nearly 100 years on. We could have reduced our carbon footprint long ago This photo shows 1913 built Pullman Car Company First class parlour car Topaz 31018 (I guess this is D5500 in disguise) is the first example of the Brush Type 2 A1A-A1A locomotive. It was deliverd to British Rail in 1957, just 6 years after the last steam engines were built. According to the NRMs website, in 1957 this loco cost £78043 brand new BR Class 52 D1023 'Western Fusilier' in the outside hut deemed suitable for some diesel exhibits. I'm sure you'll see Flying Scrapman under here if they can ever afford to fix it! Chinese 4-8-4 steam locomotive KF1 was donated to the NRM after its operational life ceased. It was built at the Vulcan Foundry, Newton-le-Willows BR Class 76 26020 built to run on the 1500v DC network was built in 1951, seen here stood next to the Chinese KF1 and a Southern Q1 steam locomotive 41001 is a powercar from the prototype HST in loosely the form it entered service. This is an imposing piece and a great monument to modern British Railways ingenuity 1892 built LNWR 2-4-0 790 'Hardwicke' stands on the turntable in the Great Hall, a testament to the greatest rival of the LNER on the east coast at the time LBSCR 0-4-2 214 'Gladstone' looks in fine condition around the turntable GWR 4-6-0 King class 6000 'King George V' stand sabove an inspection pit, to show the unique view avaiable underneath a steam locomotive Built by BREL at Crewe the Class 87s are one of the greatest and unsung heroes of long distance travel. At the time of introcution they cut nearly 2 hours off the journey between London and Glasgow, able to climb Beattock and Shap, previously fierce gradients for all traincrew, at 90mph. With a continuous output of 5000hp from just an 83 tonne locomotive they truly were a revolution in transport. Compare that to the 2700hp and 117 tonnes of the Class 50s they replaced And before the Class 50s worked on the WCML, Class 40s such as D200 (40122) worked the top link trains, but were not much of a leap forward from advanced developed steam locomotives such as the Coronation Scots and BR Standard Class 7s (known also as Britannias) A locomotive that needs no introduction is LNER A4 4-6-2 4468 Mallard. The worlds fastest ever steam locomotive and this finally signalled the end of the tit for tat racing between the WCML and ECML for top honours. It's quite scary to think that this speed would have been achieved on bolted track, 126mph!!!!!! A replica of 'Rocket' another world famous locomotive, stands besides Mallard This is the Seires 0 Shinkansen unit, which has the distinction of being the only train NOT built in the UK to grace the NRM. A fantastic piece of engineering that transformed travel throughout Japan. When the project for high speed lines in Japan was first discussed, the English speaking world coined the phrase 'Bullet Train' and when this train emerged it's shape did nothing to harm the nickname. The literal translation of Shinkansen is 'New Trunk Line'. The Series 0 sets were first built in 1963 but production continued until 1986 with the last sets being withdrawn in December 2008 (althoguh not running on a Shinkansen route) Here is a view taken from the steps into the pit beneath GWR King 6000 'King George V' A visitor stares up in wonder at the complexity hidden from sight to the public before now. The intricacies and odd springs and bars that run everywhere does make you wonder how maintenance went with it all covered in thick layers of coal and soot This is one of the driving vehicles of a 1925 SR built 4SUB EMU

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Thu Jan 1 2009 December 2008 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1623207.html December 2008 Monday 1 December 2008: December 2008

321405 heads into Walsall with a service from Birmingham International 56312, still on hire to Colas, moves some maintenance machinery from Westerleigh and is seen near journeys end by Walsall cement terminal 87034 is on the rear with sister locos 87003 and 87006 being hauled by 66723 on 0Z90 Long Marston-Crewe. This is the first time more than one full Bulgarian livery 87 has appeared in this move. The low winter sun does a cracking job in picking out all of the bodyside details of the 87s 57315 leads 57314 in Arriva colours at Gaer Jcn, Newport with the inaugral weekday service from Holyhead to Cardiff Central A closer shot of 57315 Alternative crop to the previous shot A silver Arriva 158 emerges from the newer tunnel at Gaer Jcn FGW HST grumbles past as it accelerates towards Cardiff FGW 150121 still wears Silverlink colours and is seen about to enter the tunnel The silver Arriva 158 returns from Cardiff An HST rounds the curve from Alexandra Docks Jcn towards Newport Another 57, this time 57006 as it clags up at Gaer Jcn The sun finally comes around and out on to a new Arriva liveried 175 And the same for an old FGW liveried but Arriva operated 175 An HST catches the sun as it heads into Newport A 3-car FGW 158/9 seen leaving Newport The last Central Trains liveried 3-car 170 no 170639 heads towards Cardiff. On it's return this was to be my unit back to Birmingham 43009 stands at Newport in the sun at the head of its service 67028 at Newport at the head of FGWs Taunton-Cardiff loco hauled service. Today it was running late due to 67017 failing, a quick run through the triangle at Bristol put 028 on the front and hey presto Here we see the train as it has terminated at Cardiff Central. A Class 142 departs on a Valley line service behind Another view of the 67 and the Cargo-D mk2s, which whilst appearing everywhere have lost none of their charm A lower angle of 67028 just before the train was cleared to shunt The disgraced 67017 at the rear complete with emergency tail-lamp heading out of Cardiff with the shunt. I don't know whether the return trip ran due to the problems 66303 is seen at Stoke Prior working 4Z18 to Portbury to collect coal on a recently started flow for Fastline 221124 works south near Bromsgrove on a Bristol Temple Meads service 220031 is seen with a typical English country house at Stoke Prior As is 170503 with the 12:49 New St-Hereford service A side on pan of 47237 accelerating towards a battle with the Lickey incline with Advenza freights 6Z63 Cardiff-Shipley empty scrap train 170511 seen by the country house with a service from Hereford to Birmingham 43304 is at the head of 1V39 the 06:32 Dundee-Plymouth Speeding past me running 15 minutes behind schedule 66143 leads a train of Petroplus tanks on 6E07 at Stoke Prior 66723 'Chinook' is working a 5Z89 a train of stored mk2s from Long Marston to Barrow Hill and accelerates away from Stoke Works junction to romp up the Lickey A side on pan of the ex-Wessex Trains mk2 and 66723 170101 is passing Stoke Prior with the 12:08 Nottingham to Cardiff Central service in a soon to be buried colour scheme Northern Trains 158902 stands at Nottingham with one of the new Leeds services 43073 still in MML colours. Will the HSTs get completely redone before they are gone? 43083 was at the other end and is seen whilst loading Another view of 43083 47727 and 47749 climb the Lickey after a small farce at Bromsgrove. The first time I've finally caught a Colas duff at work At Vigo bridge there have been changes, one of which is this notice for maintenance crews seen as a CrossCountry unit heads down the bank As the sun rises an FGW 158 sits at Cardiff A lot of passengers lock their bikes up at Cardiff Central Cardiff who cares??? I saw this and couldn't help thinking the poster has a cruel placement 47105 heads into Toddington with one of the top n tailed services running due to a landslide near Cheltenham Racecourse 57315 is the rear loco of the Arriva service from Holyhead to Cardiff Central seen hear crossing the Usk into Newport station 66577 accelerates through the centre roads of Newport with a container train from Wentloog 47810 'Captain Sensible' spent some time in the siding at Cardiff Central before shunting across all the lines and sitting by the power box 158956 arrives at Cardiff Central having shunted to form a Portsmouth Harbour service 47810 seen on the way to the siding by the power box at Cardiff

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Mon Dec 1 2008 Removal of CrossCountry shop http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1619719.html This collection shows photos taken on unit 221126 which is the first of CrossCountrys fleet to have the shop removed and the internals reworked Sunday 30 November 2008: This collection shows photos taken on unit 221126 which is the first of CrossCountrys fleet to have the shop removed and the internals reworked

This used to be the area for bicycles but shall now be the base for the trolley and microwave, which can be seen above the fridge This view shows the trolley outside the driving cab The bicycle area, now fits three and is at the vestibule end of what used to be the shop This is the new luggage area viewed from the carriage gangway This would have been the centre of the shop and contains two large CCTV covered luggage areas Despite all of the franchise alterations, it is business as usual for Bombardier at Central Rivers, where they maintain the 78 strong Voyager fleet 221126 viewed from the outside with sister unit 220004 Here we see three CrossCountry Voyagers lined up at the South end of Central Rivers A panorama of the three CrossCountry Voyagers 221102 was undergoing an engine change and it looks strange as the entire unit is jacked up rather than go through uncoupling procedures Another member of Virgin West Coasts fleet outside on a servicing road at Central Rivers A close-up view from low down showing 221102 on the jacks. Visible are the horn grills, brake discs and also the extensive damage sustained by the fibreglass structure around the horns. Voyager units have 8 brake-pads per wheel, so this set will have 320 in total Here we see the at seat service in action between Bristol and Birmingham More drinks and snacks are dispensed to the customers A young man on a laptop gets some respite from thirst for his trip The customer peruses the choice of sandwiches on offer alongside the drinks and snacks

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Sun Nov 30 2008 November 2008 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1606611.html November 2008 Saturday 1 November 2008: November 2008

153356 appears in daylight for the first time in service at New Street station A pan to try and make a dogbox look fast! 220022 arrives at New Street from the Stour South tunnel, not thankfully as fast as the picture may suggest Coventry depots premier traincrew ned, Mick Turner, with a tiny flail as his train leaves New Street 9701 departs from Platform 12 bound for Brighton propelled by........... .......31190, still a good shot of this loco eludes me, I may have to take up stalking 220010 arriving at New Street with a Paignton service A horizontal crop of the same Zoom-Pan shot of the Voyager 170511 pokes out of the front of platform 2a 170110 passes over the crossover between platforms 7 and 8 with the 12:54 to Leicester A zoom pan of 323212 arriving from Walsall A pendolino, looking remarkably like David Coulthard (without the crashing!) zoom-panned as it departs for Euston 175006 rounds the curve into Cardiff Central, took because it's not often we get chucked on the slows from Newport, but late running and an HST ensured we would be on this occassion 150231 stands mid-shunt at Cardiff Canton 43009 provided a big surprise as it followed my 170 in to Cardiff Central 43131 was the rear power car on this move, which reversed at Cardiff, so I presume from and back to Landore HST depot near Swansea 56311 and 56312 head 6Z57 Immingham to Washwood Heath in glorious conditions at Catholme near Burton on Trent. I could only get this shot because they had left over two hours late for some reason A wider view with Argos' distribution centre in the background 66507 on a heavyhaul coal train passes Catholme 43357 leads XC01 set to Plymouth 47237, swapped at holgate from 57005, leads DIT 47145 with 6V95 to Cardiff Tidal A wider shot showing the ex Tinsley livery still worn by 47145 A re-edit of 56312 in sole charge of the Colas Immingham to Washwood Heath working HNRC shunter 08507 sits by the fuel tanks at Central Rivers awaiting its next job on site

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Sat Nov 1 2008 October 2008 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1590107.html October 2008 Wednesday 1 October 2008: October 2008

A photo to illustrate the difference between EMT Meridian liveries depending on which shift carries out the repaint apparently. You can clearly see on 222006 that the yellow comes to a point above the coupling, but on 222017 the yellow stays clear and leaves red underneath to frame the coupling 4936 'Kinlet Hall' and 5029 'Nunney Castle' shunt after being watered at Gloucester station 47773 waits on the stock near Horton Road as we see the engines in the background waiting for my train to get out of the way so they can continue Josh watches as a 323 bound for Lichfield departs Aston 66709 stood in for a class 56 on Fastline 4O90 and is seen, nearly bowled by coal, at Bescot. Josh has by now passed out on the left 67017 leads a Northern Belle from Chester to Northampton thorugh a low lit and little photographed Witton station This is a daylight version of the HDR panorama of Birmingham New Street station from Platform 6b 66581 on coal at Tamworth 66581 approaches Tamworth with a coal train for Freightliner Two Voyagers pass north of Tamworth, displaying both varaints of CrossCountry colour schemes A closer look at 221133 as it arrives at tamowrth 43321 leads refurbished set XC01 on the 09:00 Glasgow-Plymouth service speeding through Tamworth My lords! 87002 becomes the first of it's class to run on the UK mainline again since their wholesale withdrawal. It is seen on Rail-Blue charters Birmingham International to Glasgow charter, 1Z87 as it speeds past Daresbury near Warrington 87002 the first Class 87 under Glasgow Centrals roof for a long time! The stock from Cargo-D just adds to the authentic look of the scene. Huge quantities of enthusiasts give the game away though 323215 is stabled overnight at New Street on platform 2b This will become a relic of the past, and is one of the few bits of the original New Street to have survived into the 21st centruy What will become of the horse? Whilst many wouldn't notice it's removal I fell it's improtant that this should remain a part of New Street when redeveloped 323222 on platform 12b awaiting cleaners attention before the next days duties I've wanted to do this shot for a long time, on the 'b; ends you can see through all the staircase doors when there aren't many units in. Sadly this is not the view with them all clear, but you get the idea Oh yes. 433357 the latest MTU powercar to work for CrossCountry is seen as it monsters the Lickey incline at Pikes Pool on a sunny morning. Worth the cycle even if I ahd only managed 4 hours sleep between the 87 tour and setting off! 5043 'Earl of Mount Edgecumbe' is seen steaming on the national network after an absence of over 40 years! It performed three test runs today, the second shown here as it terminated at Shirley next to the signalbox A vertical shot of the double-chimney Castle and signalbox. It sounds absolutely awesome (the Castle, not the signalbox) 153356 passes through Kings Norton to join the camp hill line whilst returning fresh from Eastleigh works to Tyseley What a moment. Well worth waiting for after a near 45 year absence from hauling trains was 5043 'Earl of Mount Edgcumbe' returning, albeit sadly short lived With news of an axlebox failure on the engine, 47773 was despatched to the rescue from Tyseley to get the train running again. It is seen as the delayed second run approaches Stratford-upon-Avon Hellfire in it's own right, even I am slightly annoyed that this was not to be 5043 again, but still, loco hauled trains by diesel are now rarer on this stretch of line near Bearley, than by steam 43062 'John Armitt' leads the New Measurement Train through a wonderful Autumn afternoon at Hasland, Chesterfield. The famous crooked spire frames the skyline 158863 heads away from Chesterfield with a service to Norwich 57005 leads 6Z95 Shipley to Cardiff Tidal along the slow at Hasland. Hard to believe I also had some truly awful weather before this bunch of shots A wider view of Advenza freights 57005 on 6Z95 156405 approaches Chesterfield with a terminating aervice before, rarely for a 156, forming a return train to Norwich 43357 leads refurbished set XC01 once more, this time facing south at Hasland with the 09:00 Glasgow to Plymouth A wider view of the refurb HST set passing Hasland A warm orange and purple sky develops over Gloucester Horton Road with 33202, 57006 and 47237 amongst the locos present 82101 awaits the 'RA' to lead away the 19:00 New St-Euston 390039 having terminated at New Street sits in truly awful conditions as the rains bead on the maze of overhead wires 82126 with it's 'Mask of Zorro' windows was on the 19:00 to Euston, pictured with what will soon be called the old New St A sideward angle showing the large-logo style bodyside numbers that have been put on DVT 82126 390005 sits at the VT 390 stop board waiting to continue on to Wolverhampton with Rotunda looming large over New Street station 170112 stands at New Street, surrounded by some older, some newer elements of what will become history Another shot of 170112, showing the first class end and note the lack of yellow roofline stripe on the bodyside to show where first class is 220011 is the spare unit whilst 321420 waits for another unit before forming a Northampton service A line up of 3 different units at the 'b' end of New St. The 321s will not see much activity if any in the redeveloped station A pendolino pauses at New Street with a service for Preston VEry old and very new combined, as modern city living towers over the condemned former shunters cabin, and one of the oldest remaining pieces of the station architecture at New Street The earlier pictured pendolino departs towards Wolverhampton Love it or hate it, the listed signalbox of New Street is an imposing structure at the station. Will the new station dare to make it more visible to the travelling public Another icon of Birmingham is the Alpha tower, seen watching over as two services pass at the Stour North tunnel An Arriva 158 lights up the overheads and railheads as it terminates at New Street A voyager is seen arriving at New Street. The left hand side of the frame is illuminated by a departing Cross City service

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Wed Oct 1 2008 XC HST interior http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1587437.html A few shots of the interior of XC01 set, first set of mk3s to come into service after release from Wabtec Monday 29 September 2008: A few shots of the interior of XC01 set, first set of mk3s to come into service after release from Wabtec

A view showing the disabled access area in standard class A student works away as the miles speed past the window. All the 4 seat tables are lined up with windows I believe The on board catering crew make their way through the train serving suctomers at their seats A passenger takes advantage of the plug sockets fitted throughout to power his laptop and listen to music In first class we can see the different coloured seats, curtains and more space afforded by the 2+! seating arrangment Showing all four sockets underneath the table, another customer finds the ability to use his laptop a good thing This area is massively changed with the addition of a disabled access toilet and ramp, and behind the s;iding door is the disabled access area of first class A view of the disabled toilet facilities to bring the train up to design expectations that simply could not be envisaged 30 years ago In the single seat side of first class a couple relax and read the paper whilst travelling into Chesterfield The luggage rack in first is quite well loaded, the one in standard being expecially well used A view over the disabled access area in first class A first class menu is provided at every seat and a Network Rail sign can be seen as we pause at Chesterfield station An overview of standard class accomodation, obviously busier than first, and I think this service would have struggled with a 5-car Voyager New toilets, new signs, but unfortunately this one is engaged, find another! A look at the electronic reservation system, which sadly was not functioning on the ingaugural journey Mobile phone (supplied by Matt Parker) and charger in use to show the layout at standard class airline style seating Another view of the luggage racks and reservation screens. Whether people ignore these screens as much as on Voyagers remains to be seen

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Mon Sep 29 2008 September 2008 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1572387.html September 2008 Monday 1 September 2008: September 2008

222027 stands at it's namesake station A closer view of 222027s name 67015 heads out of New Street on the way to Wrexham 158952 stands at Cardiff Central It seems one sister is filthy on the outside as Fastline 56s 301+302 stand side by side at Derby RTC 60009 exits the original tunnel portal at Gaer Junction, Newport with a train bound for Margam Here we see 60009 arriving at Cardiff Central and passing some of the many bus services on the Valley lines Another bus appears in the background as the tug and its train stagger accross the pointwork An XC livery Voyager arrives into New Street out of the Stour South tunnel A pendolino arrives at New Street with a service for Wolverhampton. I decided to process the whole shot in black and white and re-colour the train and two signal aspects Three 97s all in a row and surrounded by more yellow at Derby RTC 323220 stands at the end of Platform 1a A driver very helpfully put up some 'interesting' destinations for me on the 323 One can't imagine New St without thinking Pallasades, but this will one day be gone 323220 and 323212 stand nose to nose with tail lights reflecting Here we see a 350 and two 323s stabled overnight 350110 with 'Wildenrath' on the destination. This wqas the test track where the Desiros received a shakedown prior to arrival in the UK 'New St RIP' in preparation for the redevelopment of the station A long exposure of the escalators up from the platform gives the impression of any immensly steep travalator. Bet the Gladiators couldn't manage this 'Nicht einsteigen' I'm informed means 'Do not board', again just playing on the German origins of the units Another structure you cannot imagine without New St. The two are interwoven in the architectural fabric of the city centre And this is why they call it 'The Dip'. Here a Pendolino comes into New Street from Proofhouse Junction and the dive under the Moor Street lines resulting in a steep gradient in either direction. Note the angle of the rearmost visible vehicle compared to the driving cab Taken from platform 6b this Panorama shows the full view of the 'b' end of the station at New St 323215 in the turnback sidings at Longbridge. The shadow is from my unit as this shot of this location can only be taken from a passing train 321409 negotiates Proof House Jcn with a service from Birmngham International Here we see the rear of the Class 321 yet to swoop down the gradient in to 'The Dip' DRS Class 20s 20315 and 307 moved a pair of nuclear flasks from Berkeley via Bromsgrove and Walsall to Crewe. Luckily the train was two hours early or the light wouldn't have been on for a shot here, showing the train on the Sutton Park line about to pass through Ryecroft Jcn After an agonising wait of about 15 minutes the choppers restarted for Walsall 90019 was rostered to the loco hauled diagram, making an unsual sighting of First Scotrail in New Street. Get used to it though, because the First livery on the Class 180s set to replace the Skoda are very similar 43072 heads its train into Leisester bound for London St Pancras A cyclist is seen after removal of the bike from the TGS next to East Midlands livery 43048 A team of new recruits are shown around Leicester station, passing one of their companies trains Two former icons of British Industry, now privately run, and not necessarily as well (especially refarding the Royal Mail' Recruits are given a PTS talk before walking to the traincrew facility at Leicester This is the special nameplate given to 43048 to celebrate the design of the HST 60042 is taking the avoiding lines through the rear of the station An HST is seen unusually using Platform 4 at Leicester as the service got out of sync and a Merdidian which should have been behind was already occupying Platform 3 awaiting the HST to overtake Who says railway passengers are not given enough information. Sometimes it's too much Just five minutes before there was no rain in sight at Evesham as we see a very damp 57005 leading a rake of 16 Tiphook wagons for Long Marston An unidentified Arriva Trains Wales Class 150 unit heads of the amazing Ty Mawr viaduct between Chirk and Ruabon stations A wide view showing WSMR service being operated by EWS Class 67s 67019+026. The River Dee cannot be seen being obscured by the trees A closer shot as the skips head towards Ruabon with their train An Arriva silver liveried 158 heads across the viaduct as the cows close in once more. Luck was on my side as a fence kept the beef away this time The return leg of Pathfinder tours 'The Chester Explorer' with 59104 in charge ahead of classmate 59005 and a colourful rake of stock As can be seen in this wider view, there was a total of seven liveries on this train, but oddly a Virgin Mk2 from the outward leg was missing. Also, images of the outward leg show loading of 11 coaches, but the return comprises 13 The September timetable change has brought a very welcome return for an HST up the Lickey Incline in the morning. Whilst I don't know exact details, it's been many years since you could photograph one with the sun on the nose Here's a wider shot of the HST storming the bank with 43303 leading 43301 was the rear power car, now both XC sets have MTU power cars each end The road at Vigo Bridge was closed, and this was why, some major structural strengthening work because of the steady supply of idiots who don't know what to do if their vehicle is over 11ft 9ins tall. Here's a clue, don't continue by deflating tyres etc. you massive dickheads!! 323241 at this time was one of only 3 units to remain in Centro colours. By 18th Sept it will be just two, 323240 being next into Wolverton works

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Mon Sep 1 2008 New Street Evacuation http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1558293.html Photos taken outside Birmingham New Street station when it was evacuated at 18:41 due to a Voyager exhaust fire on platform 11 Thursday 7 August 2008: Photos taken outside Birmingham New Street station when it was evacuated at 18:41 due to a Voyager exhaust fire on platform 11

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Thu Aug 7 2008 August 2008 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1556586.html August 2008 Friday 1 August 2008: August 2008

153326 on Derby Etches Park and this is the ;ast rolling stock operating on the mainline anywhere that had Regional railways livery. The yellow ends arent't done yet, and just one final section left in Regional Railways colours DBSO 9702 leads 31233 from Sheffield to Derby, with a test train back to Derby RTC 158954 stands at Cardiff Central with a service for Portsmouth Harbour 220013 and 220020 stand side by side at New Street in the evening sunshine 57315 'The Mole' looks on at 220017 and 43301, both respectively the first of their kind in CrossCountry livery 222014 and 222001 stand at Nottingham awaiting their next turns of duty A pair of EMT Meridian units at Nottingham Another shot of the two Meridian Class 222 units at Nottingham, produced as an HDR image for reasons of the light and dark areas 170519 stands at Stansted Airport ready to be cleaned before forming the 19:18 to Birmingham New Street As seen from the other side 170519 with water hoses attached at the centre 317729 is the lead set of a double unit forming the 19:00 Stansted Express service to London Liverpool Street Here we see NatEx livery 317714 standing at Stansted Airport. The shot has been processed for HDR to allow for extreme difference in exposure details throughout the scene 43299 struggles to lead the 07:30 Manchester to Newquay CrossCountry service just south of BRomsgrove at Bankers Bridge. This train on it's return became the subject of much interest, as due to the lack of performance from 299, it was to be dragged between Gloucester and New Street by 57314. However, the fitters made themselves very unpopular (presumably FGW) at Gloucester, by fixing the problem and making the 57 obsolete. It was even on the way there too! A panorama of the crowds awaiting 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' at Ribblehead Viaduct. For the train shot see August 2008 Collection 1T57 is a headcode that needs no introduction, and but for one day a 40th Anniversary rerun of the Fifteen Guinea Special occurred. Here we see 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' crosses Ribblehead Viaduct on the same leg of the tour it did 40 years previous B&W version of same 70013 powers off the viaduct towards Blea Moor B&W version Another shot of Cromwell but with the whole loco off the viaduct I wasn't able to see 1T57 in 1968 on account of not being born, but a friend did ask what my shot might look like if it had been taken 40 years ago. This is my rough estimate I took this to give some scope of the popularity of this charter. Most known locations looked like this after the train had passed Another panorama of the hordes as they walk back from either the viaduct shot or from around Blea Moor signalbox The assembled masses at Borkett Common awaiting the double headed Black 5s Another view of the Birkett Common 'gallery' Black 5s 45407+45231 were in charge of the return from Carlisle and roared up the grade, seen here at Birkett Common B&W version Second shot at Birkett Common Here is an aged version of the Black 5s at Birkett Common B&W version Sorry for the huge size, but this is a summary vertical montage of my day out shooting the 15 Guinea Anniversary. A day I shall never forget and I hope my son will fondly look back on with these as memories (he was only 18 months old) 57005 runs through Leicester platform 1 with empty ex-Channel tunnel construction KEAs heading to Hitchin 153365 gets the 'RA' and prepares to head out of the gloom at New Street 222009 heads into Derby with a terminating service from London St Pancras 170102 (soon to be modelled by Bachmann in 'OO') works a Nottingham to Birmngham New St service into Derby An MML liveried HST rounds the curve at Pride Park 222005 was on an empty stock working from Nottingham to Etches Park 170106 heads to Derby with a Cardiff Central service A very unusual 5Z44 from Loughborough to Craigentinny as NatEx East Coast powercar 43305 leads CrossCountry classmate 43285, both having just been refurbished at Brush A closer view of the powercars canting over at Pride Park After some luck and quick pedal work I managed to grab a going away shot of 43285 at Derby station after some crew had been dropped off to Etches Park (presume it's driven by an XC driver who signs Derby-Craigentinny but not Loughborough to Etches Park) After showing cancelled in trust, 97304 leads 97303 and 97301 on the rear with a test train from Derby RTC to Sheffield and return 66730 stands at March depot along with 47760 in the backgorund, which spent several moths here on a wheel skate 170639 sits at New St waiting to go to Leicester. This unit has the unusual distinction of being in Central Trains livery, with CrossCountry branding and with a first class yellow line becuase the interior has seen refurbishment before the outside 170520 sits around some newer and older elements of New Street station 220016 departs Derby, I took this because I noticed the odd red 'buffer' parts on the front. This is not the livery norm and is the case for both cabs Maybe there should be a board for 170s too as 170108 is left hanging out of platform 10a Three versions of CrossCountry colours, two are merely stickers on the old stuff A classic lineup of traction that is common at New St. I'm taking these shots before redevelopment brings accessability and light to the platforms

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Fri Aug 1 2008 Carnfroth Open Day http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1555374.html I went along to Carnforth to see what all of the fuss was about. Impressed at the amount of guest locos and rusty spoons, not so the 37s. Nice to see the kettle line-up too Saturday 26 July 2008: I went along to Carnforth to see what all of the fuss was about. Impressed at the amount of guest locos and rusty spoons, not so the 37s. Nice to see the kettle line-up too

An overview as the masses walk over the footbridge and onto the site Looking the other way we see the huge coaling stages and a plentiful supply of DRS traction Every class of DRS loco was at the open day, here we have English Electric everywhere, except for the roof of a Royal Duff I took this shot deliberately to show the steam from 'Hogwarts Castle' (Olton Hall to us) coming out of 33030 86259 looked magnificent even stood still Not very often you get to photograph a Class 86 by a Settle & Carlisle line signalbox! In this B&W shot we can see 48151, 5690, 46115 and 70013 outside the steam shed This line up of 5 premier steam locos meant that you never would get this shot without a foreground smattering of enthusiasts 47802 stands under the coaling stage with 57010 and 37229 37229 proves ever popular with the photographers A closer look at 'Jonty Jarvis' 08678 'Artila' graffitiied to say 'Old Fartila', some depot humour I guess A line up of Class 37s looking the worse for wear at the south end of the site 37517 viewed from the other side 47526 in faded large logo and complete with 'RES' door 37717 was in the line up too, a far cry from it's condition in this photo <a href='http://www.trainpics.net/p39042325.html'>HERE</a>, also missing a nameplate I must add that the 'SOLD' stickers indicate the locos move to Carnforth, and not that someone has bought a loco in this sorry state 37165 in Transrail/Dutch livery 37668 the last of the line up of sorry tractors Viewed from the other end we see the four nose-peds 47525 looks no better than 526, but at least there was a show of the livery variations we had back then Punters line up to part with cash for some top notch models All sorts of gauges were catered for here, the eyes couldn't help be drawn to the ready-to-run gauge one sheds on the shelf at the back A motorail vehicle surrounded by the rundown conditions that became a common sight Vegetation grows between stocks of varying vintage and condition What exactly do staff at Wimbledon get up to that requires tham to be re-railed I wonder? One of a few ex-TPO vehicles Once considered a luxury vehicle, this shell is nothing more than a testament to the weathers destructive powers

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Sat Jul 26 2008 Crash at Long Marston http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1546348.html I was commissioned by Railnews to photograph a mock crash scenario at Long Marston hosted for school children to see the dangers of trespassing and interfering with the railway Wednesday 16 July 2008: I was commissioned by Railnews to photograph a mock crash scenario at Long Marston hosted for school children to see the dangers of trespassing and interfering with the railway

The DMU is prepared for battle at the level crossing Schoolchildren look on as the trespassers run through having tampered with hand operated points BANG! The point of impact as the DMU chrashes into the loose wagons. The picture doesn't show that the collision was actually 5mph, more of a rough shunt! Smoke rises in the aftermath of the impact The BTP are first on the scene and orders given Officers dash to passengers aid Fire crews are given a site and situation brief upon arrival Actors played the parts of victims on board. Quite how you sustain injuries such as this at 5mph is anyones guess. Lot's of ham salad coming from this woman though! Fire crew with breathing apparatus make their way through the smoke Casualties are evacuated with ladders. Something the guard would have done if they had one on this train, an oversight perhaps? The walking wounded The DMU cab door is cut off to free the 'trapped' driver School pupils look on as the drama unfolds 'Who ordered the ham with extra salad?' Stretchers were also employed to move the more serious casualties Safely under arrest, one of the culprits who caused the accident The driver finally cut free, is stretchered out of the site Head of the BTP on site is interviewed by varoius TV news crews

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Wed Jul 16 2008 July 2008 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1541620.html July 2008 Tuesday 1 July 2008: July 2008

A shot in the late evening sun as 90028 leaves Birmingham New Street with the 19:00 departure to London Euston 220020 is seen with the 10:40 New St-Bristol service at Bankers Bridge This move is normally worked by GBRf, and not on a Monday either! Here we see Advenza loco 47237 working 4Z88 near Bromsgrove complete with 'The Marauder' headboard As the very dark clouds roll ever closer, 47237 just arrives at Evesham before all hell broke loose. At Worcester the train was recessed in the yard and had the headboard exchanged for 'Midnight Cruiser' A wider view of 4Z88 at Evesham on the way to Long Marston 55022 'Royal Scots Grey' is seen working 1Z22 from Preston to Pwhelli, seen at Dunston just North of Penkridge where the train stopped to pick up. This shot was taken from the roof of my car, convenient location to access This is the more traditional crop of 55022 170109 is seen at Elford passing 6E57 in the loop with a service to Cardiff Central I've finally gone and done it! After swearing to never shoot 40145 in this livery, here it is seen hauling 37906 back to the SVR at Elford 60094 (correction) sat in the loop as the bad weather just missed me 66606 was on the delayed 6E54 which had kept 60092 in the loop for so long, the driver even tooted an apology on the way past 60094 finally gets to go into Kingsbury, many hours late 66020 leads 6P82 to Park Lane Junction in conjunction with engineering work on the Sutton Park line 66304 leads an unbranded rake of hoppers out of Elford loop with empty Fastline working to Daw Mill A wider angle of 66304 60007 seems to elude me in the sunshine at Elford when working 6E41 tanks 43130 prepares to start from Cheltenham with a service to London Paddington 43066 and Leeds driver pose at Derby after a Valenta filled run from Cheltenham Smoky departure as the driver powers up 66542 approaches two pigeons on the signal at Pear Tree Leading me to declare this shot as 'Birds of a feather' Here we see the two pigeon spotters again To compare with the HST, here is a Voyager in CrossCountry colours 43301 leads the 12:05 Edinburgh to Plymouth towards Peartree shortly after departing Derby on it's first revenue earning service for Cross Country This panorama is to show the strange way access to Derby platform 6 is gained whilst work is carried out on the weekends MY LORDZ!! D1015 'Western Champion' heads up the Lickey at Pikes Pool with 1Z52 from Salisbury to Liverpool in connection with the Tall Ships Festival The disused water tower at Cardiff Canton looks slightly more reasonable in the low evening sunlight 43154 stands at Cardiff Central with a Swansea service The rear power car was 43135 seen departing 175001 terminates with a service via the Central Wales line 66304 stands on Derby etches Park being refuelled 08899 and 08909 awaiting busy evening shifts at Derby Etches Park Looking East from Nottingham (Midland) station we see the remains of Nottingham's Great Northern terminus. After being fed up of sharing with the Midland the GNR opened this station in October 1857. It served passengers up until May 1944, but remained open as a goods station. It is now a mixture of shopping and a Virgin Active Healthclub The main entrance to Nottingham Great Northern station This view of the entrance shows a towering signal gantry, thankfully left in situ for reference to the buildings original intentions 165012 heads a double set away from Stratford as it passes Churchill Cottage on the climb to Wilmcote 5029 'Nunney Castle' made a planned but nevertheless surprise appearance on The Shakespeare Express today and is seen as it slogs passed Churchill Cottage on the climb to Wilmcote station with the 16:15 departure from Stratford Upon Avon

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Tue Jul 1 2008 Secret assignments http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1530140.html You are about to enter the world of the not 100%, shots to treasure for the future Tuesday 17 June 2008: You are about to enter the world of the not 100%, shots to treasure for the future

Here's the first shot of 6Z46 as it accelerates towards Stourbridge Junction. 47237 is leading followed by 47375 and seen at the rear is 47828 Another view as the train accelerates A final view of the train approaching Stourbridge 08616 is seen part way through tranformation into London Midland colours for Tyseleys 100th anniversary

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Tue Jun 17 2008 June 2008 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1522713.html On the 1st of the month we took our son to Birmingham Society of Model Engineers Open Day at Ilshaw Heath. Due to flooding the event wasn't as fully expected, but it was still great Sunday 1 June 2008: On the 1st of the month we took our son to Birmingham Society of Model Engineers Open Day at Ilshaw Heath. Due to flooding the event wasn't as fully expected, but it was still great

They even have some colour light signals on the larger scale track This is the clubs general loco, used by all for haulage of the passenegers This loco was LNER based and had a bad tendancy to wheelslip, god knows what it would have been like in rain! 08576 was one of the larger scale locos running on the lower track. It goes about the same speed as a real gronk A train load round towards the tunnel Once again struggling for grip is the LNER 2-8-0 This was the last circuit that Wilfred H Kesterton did After topping up with all essential consumables the train is underway Here we see the still being built Gauge One Class 86101 complete with BR Mk2s The loco featured directional headlights and full remote control The chap who built the 86 is also scratch building a Hunslet TPL CLass 323 EMU, and this represents 9 months of work The pantograph is 100% spot on, made referencing drawings sourced from the manufacturer Here we see the bogie detail on one of the driving vehicles A close up of the cab, showing the new group headlights This view shows the mp3 player inside the Class 86 which provides the horn sound Another lower view of 86101 This is a side on pan of the loco Mr Liam Ego was the driver (I'll let you figure it out) shown in close up 'I shall call him mini-me'. Here we see Josh and his Grandad in very similar guise Josh gets introduced to the little steam locos, but to be honest a tractor would be much better! This is a very large tank engine that replaced the club loco Josh and family look on as the tank engine departs A side pan of the loco The LNER 2-8-0 viewed at speed Josh shows his appreciation on the footbridge Some more flailing from Josh at 1504 317714 at Stansted wearing standard express livery. This is the only NEG TOC so far not to feature national express branding A mixed pair of 323s await departure from Longbridge 66732 with a short wagon rake on 4Z89 from Long Marston to Leeds A 221 is seen at the head of the 16:10 New Street to Plymouth service 47828 powers round the corner at Stoke Works at the head of 6Z95 Stockton to Cardiff Tidal sidings The driver gives me a wave, this shot being took just 3 seconds before the sun departed, phew! 60052 is seen snaking it's way into EWSs yard at Washwood Heath In a real combination of liveries we see 170103 working the 07:49 service to Nottingham from New Street 66415 is seen on the slow at Washwood Heath with a fastline coal. Fastlines own Class 66s are shortly due to arrive so hired in locos will become a thing of the past quickly 66422 heads along the fast line with the other empty coal train catching more sunlight 170109 passes through Leam Marston towards Derby with the 09:13 New St to Nottingham service 220005 in new house colours speeds through Lea Marston We were surprised to see the NMT as it was working a Paddington to Penzance test train. It made it as far as Reading before suddenly forming a 1Z**. hinting at technical problems 66054 leads an EWS intermodal service 170113 finds a rare patch of sun at Lea Marston 67029 worked 0Z67 Bescot to Toton with some square sounding wheels 66163 is seen on a trainload of steel rods from Cardiff 66618 is passed by an XC Voyager as it awaits access to the Kingsbury oil terminal 43166 leads the 12:00 Edinburgh to Plymouth XC service at Elford loop 221106 works a West Cost service to Glasgow north through Penkridge 66724 heads 'The Praxis Express' from Long Marston with a stop request for Crewe as the usual coal wagons are supplemented by a Mk3 and 87002 restored to BR blue 150005 is seen working a service to Kidderminster as it slows down for Rowley Regis 150010 in NWM colours is working a Worcester Shrub Hill service 150016 is on a Stourbridge Junction train

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Sun Jun 1 2008 May 2008 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1504552.html May 2008 Thursday 1 May 2008: May 2008

60094 works a train load of steel slabs into Derby 37611 and 608 top n tailed a test train between Derby and Sheffield several times today GBRf 66726 is in charge of a Freighliner coal wagon move seen as it crosses the river into Derby 43048, running slightly late into Derby, but expected to encounter major problems further south on the MML due to rats (!) chewing signal cables After a mad cycle along the A52 meant I just beat the East Midlands HST left Derby for London. It did make it to London albeit quite late 43044 leads its set North to Sheffield out of Derby 158852 arrives into Derby with a service from Matlock A second shot of 37611 and 608 arriving into Derby A Cross Country titling Voyager arrives into Derby from the north 43059 is seen at Pride Park accelerating away from Derby 56311, the new guise for 56057 since its return from preservation on what is believed to be its first mainline test. It didn't go too well, lots of smoke away from Derby RTC, it took over 2 mins to get here, passing us at around 3-4 mph! Another closer shot of 56311, with 31106 in case of failure, which brought the failed grid back from Leicester 43054 is seen at Breaston with a service to London St Pancras An EMT Meridian passes the village of Breaston A different angle at Breaston of a London bound HST 43048 'T.C.B. Miller MBE' is seen powering what should have been the 14:02 Sheffield to London St Pancras. The set was running late on its prior working and started from Derby at 15:03 instead. The train is seen passing Breaston Two EMT Meridian units are about to pass at Loughborough in the shadow of Brush and a dark storm Mixed dog-box liveries here working the Leicester services for all local shacks This livery is soon to be history for East Midlands Trains, seen on an HST speeding North through Loughborough 60051 was working 6E38 empty tanks to Lindsey through Loughborough and is seen beneath a fortunate rainbow whilst sunbathing Last shot of the day of the East Midlands HST, showing 43058 powering North at Loughborough 158847 stands at Platform 4b with an East Midland service to Matlock. Here you can see the extent of the work being carried out on station renewals. Albeit work only seems to be undertaken at weekends, thus wasting 5 days in every week! 153309 still wears Anglia colours with the exception of the 'one' liveried doors all round 153314 was attached to the rear of 153309 on an Ipswich service 43206 leads a NatEx East Coast HST set into Peterborough with an Inverness to Kings Cross service More strange bricks. This time 153326 STILL in Regional railways and UID 153 in First North Western minus the branding 321902 stands at Doncaster with a service for Leeds 185109 seen at Doncaster on a Cleethorpes service. Obviously not all of the passengers on platform 4 were waiting for this 185116 is seen traversing the pointwork as it departs from Doncaster No evidence of any refurbishment in this part of 170397. A view of the world passing by as the train approaches Tamworth (hence the speed) Derby RTC continues to throw up unsual rakes of locos. Here we see Rivieras 47769 in Virgin, Fastline 56303, DRS 47712 mid facelift and Rivieras 47839. Also visible is Network Rails 31105 37609 sits at Redditch having arrived with 1Q18 from Manchester to Derby RTC via the Midlands overheads. 37611 was on the other end, this shot is an HDR after the station lights timed out, making shooting conditions very difficult 37611 powers up through Barnt Green heading for Derby RTC. The camera was also doing very high speed, ISO1600 to be precise. The noise as you could hear both locos working heavily from Alvechurch was fantastic. Note the station lighting at Barnt Green is still on 70 minutes after the last service train! 170638 and 170520 have just arrived from Tyseley and split ready for their services A blurry view of 170638 making progress towards Leicester 220017 departs from Leicester with a Nottingham service 43066 heads its London train into Leicester 43074 was the rear power car on the service 43074 seen side on with my 10-20mm wide angle lens Here is a cab view of the newest desk layout in London Midlands 323 fleet 43064 leads a XC HST working for Plymouth through Tamworth 66724 complete with half GBRf and half fastline hoppers heading empty to Daw Mill 56301 leads a heavily delayed (circa 180min) 4O90 through Tamworth A pendolino passes the ill-fated Lichfield Trent Valley low level signalbox 86501 takes sole charge of a container working at Lichfield Here we see a shot of a Pendolino speeding past the signalbox 66614 on a ballast working at Lichfield Trent Valley Another shot of a Pendolino blurred past the signalbox After disembarking from the London - Manchester service, the commuters start to make their way home A more telephoto look at the signalbox

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Thu May 1 2008 April 2008 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1489390.html April 2008 Tuesday 1 April 2008: April 2008

170105 heads passed Bankers Bridge with a service to Cardiff Central 220028 heads south at Bankers Bridge 220013 heading north at Bankers Bridge 37218 and 37059 on a test train pass along the slow line at Bankers Bridge 66148 slows to take the line to Worcester 66148 passes a track maintenance gang at Stoke Works with a working from Croft to Brierley Hill 47828 works 6Z76 (I think), a train of Freightliner HXA hoppers going to Long Marston A wider view of 47828 and it's train showing the 'Advenza Freight' headboard. Interestingly the rear of the loco displayed a headboard 'Evil Empire' 150127 shunts away from Cardiff Central with its interim livery Another shot of 150127 43028 at the rear of a service which has terminated at Cardiff, shunting near Canton 57005 works 6Z73 13:43 Beeston to Cardiff Tidal in great conditions seen at Longbridge A wider shot of 57005 passing through Longbridge 323218 arrives and terminates at Longbridge with a service from Lichfield Trent Valley 323201 is seen after leaving Church Road tunnel, as it approaches Five Ways. It was working the 09:57 Redditch to Lichfield TV service. Hopefully there will be more shots from here, I went to scout it out and check the suns position A wider view of 323201. I was able to get high above the fence standing on my bike. WARNING - Ladders required at least for this shot! 960014 heads past the iron horse out of New Street to Wolverhampton. Note the additional stickers for Wellington & Shropshire company. Not like anyone knew beforehand anyway, but surely the travelling public must be scared that this is their choice of traction to run the new service! 170116 is seen leaving Plat 9a at New St with a Nottingham service 170510 takes a pause at New St awaiting the forming of the 10:12 to Stafford via Walsall 350129 emerges into the light at Plat 1 with the 10:18 to Coventry 960014 on its second trip, note the stockers in red on this side. Had a replice away shot in better light but was bowled by 323203 (Ironically haven't shot that in it's new colours yet!) I decided that with the threat of wires soon, and great conditions, to go to many of the Lickey spots that are potentially blighted by the overheads. In the coming days expect more locations, here we see 170398 with the 07:30 New Street to Cardiff Central service 170110 has avoided the paintbrush so far and looks good for it too 220024 heads down the Lickey at Vigo Bridge 220017, the original XC livery unit, climbs quickly in the morning sun 170517 and 170503 work a service from Hereford. Sods law that the LM unit is on the rear. The next day both were in LM livery, I was in bed! 60051 and sander dust visible as the gradient takes its toll on the loco Another view of 60051, sanders working still evident at rail level 323201 in glorious conditions just south of Alvechurch working the 08:44 New Street to Redditch service This HDR image of the bubble car was rumoured by the driver to be the last time W&SR would be using it to route learn at New Street The driver changes ends and readys to depart, but first up is the 14:13 to Nottingham seen at Platform 12a on the left A final view of 960014 before I had to leave on the Nottingham service 156415 is one of 2 of the class to receive East Midlands trains local livery. It is seen in the bay platform at Nottingham A pair of East Midlands shops turning round at Nottingham, await their respective services 60019 'Bittern' is seen powering away from Birmingham on the approach to Bordesley station A closer shot of Bittern as it speeds away from Moor Street station. These two shots were at ISO 1600 such was the weather An HST makes its way through Lower Moor with a service along the Cotswold line with a service for London Paddington 66723 leads 0M89 with newly painted 'Bulgarian' Class 87s 026, 008, and 007. It looks very strange to see the loco without any yellow on the front at all A closer shot of the locos as they speed towards Worcester A close view of 87026 in full Bulgarian livery, ready for export 350103 approaches Penkridge with a stopping service from Liverpool Another Desiro, just north of Penkridge, heads towards Stafford 66553 heads an engineers service past the old goods shed at Penkridge A Virgin West Coast Voyager speeds north. After much debate the 87s were not allowed to go along the Sutton Park line A final view of the 87s heading towards Crewe 87007 is still in Cotswold Rail livery albeit with Bulgarian branding at the rear of the train This pair of beasts took us from Bewdley back to Kidderminster at slightly above walking pace. Different though 37906 and 37901 burst out of the tunnel towards Bewdley with massive noise! How fantastic that the liveries match too (apart from one being weather beaten and silver window frames) Another view of the slugs powering past. Due to lens issues I didn't think I'd get a photo at all, but a backup fixed 50mm f.18 II did the trick!

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Tue Apr 1 2008 March 2008 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1471281.html March 2008 Saturday 1 March 2008: March 2008

Another three cab version of a shot at New St, 220022 a recent recipient of Cross Country livery is the standby unit 170110 heads south at Bromsgrove with the 09:00 Nottingham to Cardiff Central 170503 at speed passing Bankers Bridge, I opted for this shot as the sun had gone away 221114 heading to Bristol A close up pan of the front cab of 220018 at Bankers bridge 170102 is seen on the 10:00 Nottingham to Cardiff Central 323201 arrives in the evening gloom at New Street with a B'ham International to Walsall service 323201 seen leaving New Street, showing the black cluster lights This view shows the yellow cluster lights on 323201. This is a test to see which is preferred 57005 stands at Derby with 6Z71, nice of the driver to leave the cab lights on, even nicer of Dan C to let me borrow his tripod for the photo, big thanks! 323201 heads away from Sutton Coldfield with a service for Lcihfield City 37611 and 37612 at the rear show exactly what it's like to be cold started at Derby RTC. 170102 stands at Nottingham with the 07:00 departure for Cardiff Central 960014 arrives at New Street platform 10a with the road learner 960014 stands under the modern sign for New Street, one of the only items to date the picture 60026 pulls up to a stop at platform 8a at New Street, highly unusual So, what are the chances of photographing a 60 and a bubble car at New Street in 2008?? I'd have never thought it possible Because you cannot see the rear of the DMU, it's quite possible for this to look like a 'then and now' staged Cross-City photo. I was glad of the opportunity to see this Another day, another shot of 323201 departing under the Rotunda at New Street. What can I say, it's a nice shot 323218 winds around the hillside between Alvechurch and Barnt Green 323201 is seen once again, this time near Alvechurch with the 14:48 Four Oaks to Redditch service A side on pan of 323201 as it heads back towards New Street before the weather took a real down turn 150217 is one of a handful of the class to have received brighter headlight clusters as part of refurbishment. It is seen standing alongside the was just outside Cardiff Canton depot 50049 is now on a privately owned site within what was once all Canton depot. It is reportedly awaiting tyre turning, but it has been here for a considerable length of time now Anyone for a slice of 143615?? Not something you see everyday, but if it means one less nodding nightmare is out of service, then long may it continue! 170635 works the 08:59 New St-Hereford service at Bankers bridge, passing 66057 ready to bank a freight up the arduous Lickey Incline Here we see the 'RA' indicator fitted for the benefit of the banking locos driver at Bromsgrove. It is unusual in that the 'RA' is displayed when the signal pulls off, much like an 'OFF' indicator. I don't think there are many automatic 'RA' signals in the country, most being controlled by station staff 220017 heads south into the sun whilst working the 09:10 Birmingham to Plymouth service. The shunters cabin in the background has been grafittied thus: Bromsgrove=Home of Lickey Bankers, R.I.P. Class 37s, along with a very dubious Transrail logo 170510 heads towards Bromsgrove with a service from Hereford to New Street How long left for this livery? 170113 is in charge of the 08:00 Nottingham to Cardiff Central service seen once more from Bankers Bridge I have added this shot because I believe it looks better without the pyon in the field so close tothe locos nose 37401 worked 6Z80 from Bescot to Long Marston formed of brand new Lafarge tanks, presumably for liquid cement A wider angle shot of the train at Stoke Works, ready to turn off for Worcester A wider angle still, showing the loco gleaming in the conditions A close up of one of the Lafarge cement wagons the tractor was hauling At Stechford this time and we see the Chiltern bubble flying through towards New St 56301 clags up on departure from Stechford after waiting for a couple of passenger services to overtake 55022 'Royal Scots Grey' arrives light engine into Stechford with blue smoke effect As the loco heads away into the sun, it looks glorious as a precursor for the tour 66213 heads towards Cheltenham at Badgeworth A wider view of the shed at Badgeworth 55022 seen in worsening conditions at Badgeworth, making a glorious noise. Big amusement from the gallery, especially Phil who didn't appreciate the suns game of hide n seek Deltic 55022 seen once again after a dash up the M5 to catch it at Longbridge. This was only really possible because it was routed via Worcester. Thanks to whoever planned that move

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Sat Mar 1 2008 February 2008 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1453233.html February 2008 Friday 1 February 2008: February 2008

90026 passes through New St in the small hours with the Southbound sleeper. This is a very unusual sight, because if it's diverted off the Trent it still normally goes Bescot-Aston-Stechford, therefore bypassing New St 170116 in perfect conditions to display it's new livery at Bankers Bridge. It is seen working the 08:00 Nottingham - Cardiff Central 170113 seen near Hams Hall 170397 accelerates away from Whitacre Jcn after crossing the River Tame 221131 makes an unusual sight as it calls at Coleshill Parkway with 1M18 the 15:40 Reading to Derby via Whitacre Junction. This is the only service booked a Voyager to call at Coleshill 220032 passes through Five Ways towards New St 37612+038 power through Five Ways on their way to Exeter to rescue a failed Class 37 Not a place usually associated with locos at all, the vantage point is the old freight only line from Church Road to the former LMS goods depot in central Birmingham A vertical shot of East Midlands trains 15:30 Nottingham - St Pancras dpearting from Nottingham. It's a shot I've always fancied doing due to the station architecture visible above the train. The light could do with at least another hour to get round for this shot, to take the shadow of the station front But I'm still extremely happy with how the shot looks 170102 is seen shunting at Nottingham after working the 07:49 New St - Nottingham service, the first it operated in new XC livery A very striking livery in good light, and unusual to see the station end at Platform 1b, the foreground shadow is provided by a Class 158 Unfortunately 56057 is losing its Large Logo livery, and can be seen outside Derby RTC in a halfway house stage of repainting. Looking at it, it wouldn't be too difiicult for them to change their minds and make it Railfreight red stripe!! 37401 takes a recess at Derby station, left in the bay after working tanks from Warrington to Sinfin 37704 has seen better days, seen at Gloucester 37898, also looking dreadful, sits with 37704 at Gloucester 60091 working 6V92 through the loop at Bankers Bridge A wider view of 60091 47237 powered 5Z60 Derby-Laira FGW stock move, with 9 mk3s My first shot of 47237 since it's transfer from DRS and rebranding 220017 heads away from leamington Spa with a service to Bournemouth. It's good to see the privatised railway taking an interest in some of the rich heritage they have inherited 158771 sits at Cardiff Central below the cranes which show the mass of construction in the city centre. The 158 has also recently been the recipient of some investment, with new FGW vinyls 91132, formerly 91023 and the loco deemed 'cursed' by superstitious GNER traincrew following it's involvement in both the Hatfield and Great Heck accidents. The loco is seen running light engine and blunt end first at Peterborough 43314 arrives at the head of a late running London Kings X service into Peterborough. The rear power car was in National Express livery, part of a repainted set that was broken apart in record time 158799 departs northwards out of Peterborough with an East Midlands service 91121 is seen speeding north of Peterborough with an NXEC express. The shot was successfully panned from the rear of a fast(ish) moving 170 The new corporate image of Cotswold Rails parent company. 47237 is on the left and 57006 on the right seen stabled at Gloucester with old ore wagons Another pan taken from another moving 170. 158s 822+841 were forming an empty stock from Chester to Cardiff Canton and were accelerating away from Newport at just the right time and speed for this shot. The freight which so nearly bowled my shot is out of the way. It's not very often you'll get a razor sharp image of a train doing 65mph at 1/80 sec shutter speed!! The two units round the curve after Alexandra Docks yard towards Cardiff A close-up of 57006 in it's corporate splendour at Gloucester. Note the reflection of 47237s cab at the rear Three of a kind, or at least they used to be, but the patches show that two of the units are now run by Arriva for CrossCountry

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Fri Feb 1 2008 January 2008 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1438580.html January 2008 Tuesday 1 January 2008: January 2008

This is the original plain RAW shot of 20905 and 20901 working 5Z90 Crewe to Long Marston seen at Bankers Bridge This next shot shows how much manipulation you can do to a RAW file when bringing it into CS3 And now the finished product, with exposure tweaked, annoying twig removed, and a whole host of other tweaks this is the result. I think you'll agree it's along way from the plain RAW image file 43048 waits at Leicester whilst a Meridian departs for Sheffield 60034 heads its train from Round Oak to Margam on the approach to Worcester Tunnel Junction 57005 working for Cotswold Rail hauls refurbished TEAs from Long Marston to Bescot, seen as the train accelerates out of Rainbow Hill Tunnel Now the driver really gives it the beans, cheers. Also note the Advenza headboard and the bright white evident on the tanks. If you click <a href='http://www.trainpics.net/p36287916.html'>here</a> you can see it is not evident on the inward working to Long Marston some months before 350102 waits for a rare northbound departure from platfor 1b at New Street With the drivers light now off, the 18:51 to Crewe is ready to go ALL THE THREES!!!! 153333 is coupled on the back of 170503 on a Hednesford service at New Street A different kind of angle on 45112 at Derby, with a good example of using the 'Authorised Walking Route' on show too 153311 receives attention at Derby Etches Park, now that this is part of East Midlands Trains fleet I guess all sorts can turn up now! 350122 heads for Coventry, whilst 323243 heads a Birmingham International to Walsall (via New St) service into New Street 321405 heads down into 'the dip' at New Street 170116 shows off it's new Cross Country livery on arrival at Derby A freightliner shed heads along the slow lines out of Derby Here is a wider view cropped with the factory chimneys in view 47805 heads away from Derby after running round with 5Z91, a move showing as cancelled in TRUST! A wider view of 47805 and the two FGW FO mk3s Cross Country are looking to trial out new seating on their Voyager fleet perhaps??

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Tue Jan 1 2008 December 2007 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1421719.html December 2007 Saturday 1 December 2007: December 2007

An HDR shot taken at night showing the majesty of the Forth Rail Bridge from the North Queensferry end. The longest exposure for this was 3m20sec! Another HDR of the Forth Bridge from a higher angle at North Queensferry. Note to Chris, I took a lamp this time and still nearly died! A view from North Queensferry station looking towards Edinburgh as the Forth Bridge looms large in the distance A final HDR image taken this time at South Queensferry, after alighting at Dalmeny. I guess I'll never quite get over the majesty and presence of this structure, which has fascinated me since childhood A bit foggy! 55022 RSG lays down some local weather at Edinburgh Waverley, having arrived with the 06:19 departure to Lincoln Central. Napier music was enjoyed throughout, even if it wasn't stereo for the whole duration 67029 brings the upper escholons of society to Lincoln Xmas Market, greeted as was RSG by heritage liveried carol singers Another newspaper-ish type shot of the Posh-ex disembowling all over Lincoln station After a quick sprint, I caught 67029 as it heads out of Lincoln for Barnetyby...... ..where 67005 at the rear, would throw some spanners in the works and leave all the posh people without a train on a freezing platform. For over an hour!!!! 47787 is seen between trips for East Midlands Trains just outside Lincoln station 153376, super brick, all my photographic know-how was employed to make this appear fast! I promise no vegetables were harmed in the making of this picture, but a few WERE photographed! 156401 was wedged to the max before departure from Lincoln 47787 is seen at the head of WCRC set, hired in by East Midlands Connect for additional servcies 55022 RSG clags gently into the night collecting it's passenegers for the return flight 153311 and 153326, both the only remaining Regional railways liveried units in service, stand side by side at Lincoln A closer view of 153326 The two heritage dog boxes are shown looking out on a 142 arriving into the station 142065 in Northern Spirit livery..... ....and sporting an Edinburgh Haymarket depot stocker, I think NOT! 142065, the sole survivor in Northern Spirit colours, is caught between being stationary and departing at Lincoln with a nodding donkey service to Sheffield 47787 is seen in Platform 6 at Nottingham having arrived with the 18:00 from Lincoln, which was shot at by some East Coast vegetable at Newark!! Guns don't kill people, hicks do, just ask Al Gore

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Sat Dec 1 2007 Novemeber 2007 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1399862.html Novemeber 2007 Thursday 1 November 2007: Novemeber 2007

What a start to the month, 37417 at Lea Marston, my first visit to the location, cracking weather and some autumnal colours too In the small hours (00:20) 31190 stands at the head of it's Serco test train, heading for Coventry and Leamington, with 31459 on the rear. The fumes were very thick, great for a ned like me, lucky the station was deserted 37410 works 6Z80 Bescot to Long Marston seen in the relative gloom at Bankers Bridge This was a cake I had specially made for the end of Central Trains franchise. For anyone interested, any printable images can be done, for any occassions just click this link to visit <a href='http://www.sugarcraftemporium.com'>Sugarcraft Emproium</a> The first train of my last day with Central Trains. 150132 was the unit for the 06:40 from Birmingham New Street to Rugeley TV Here we see 150132 stood at Rugeley TV awaiting it's return to New Street 150132 stands in Platform 3, the bay platform at Walsall Four colleagues, Khalid Abdullah, Pete Preston, Paul Gardener (Rosters) and Icky stand with the cake as the 09:57 New Street to Walsall departs 323212 was my unit to Four Oaks, seen here in the bay before returning to Birmingham 323212 and 170513, no longer compnay bedfellows as of the 11th, stand at New Street. 323212 is ready to go forward for my last Central departure, the 13:25 to Lichfield Trent Valley Here 323212 is stood at Lichfield Trent Valley, for working my last Central Trains service 350128 was to be the very last Central Trains service to run working the 00:10 Birmingham New Street to Coventry. Help from my Dad ensured that the event was marked with a suitable headboard Coventry driver Mr Shah poses with the unit before departure, the train was not permitted to run with the headboard, plus we didn't want to risk any mishaps 350128 having terminated at Coventry with the headboard refitted. Unusually, the unit was booked to be left overnight at Birmingham International Here we have (Front-Back, L-R) Lee Rutter (S.Conductor), Clive Wilson, Dave Peters (Trainee Driver), Chris Wakeman (Booking Office Lich. City), Me, and Daniel (nunnyspotter from Trainsgen) 220017 on it's inaugural trip for CrossCountry, the 06:55 Derby to Bristol TM Here we have a going away shot of 170504 in London Midland City livery. The MD of the company was on board, and naturally management were everywhere on board, and no doubt the obligatory travelling fitter. Why these pompous idiots don't have to travel with the same risk that their customers take is beyond me. It sucks! Oh, it was working the 08:35 Great Malvern to Birmingham New Street Here we have 170504 again, leading in fantastic conditions working the 09:59 from Birmingham New Street to Hereford, seen at bankers bridge. If only I could buy one of the houses here, I'd be very happy 220017 heading North on the 09:59 Bristol TM to Newcastle CrossCountry service at Lea Marston........ ....Whilst I was waiting for 6G42 from Birch Coppice to Bescot, a good load headed by 37410 66084 works South through Penkridge with a train load of China Clays 350106 speeds through Penkridge in it's shiny livery, with the 13:00 Crewe to Birmingham New Street 33103 works 6v33 and what is one of the stranger consists of 2007. 56011 and 56021 are the locos, followed by Mk2As and some Mk2Ds, all of which are without windows And here's a wider shot, spoilt slightly by the vegetation as the train approaches Northfield. The Crompton was rasping nicely after accelerating from the Camp Hill line under clear signals 56301 clags and screams through Tame Bridge with 4O90 57316 ended up ibn charge of 5z51 from Crewe, 221101 having only made it as far as Norton Bridge before failing 37410 clags through Tame Bridge, with light engine working to Wolves Steel terminal 47787 stands in New Street at the head of 'The Borderman' charter, from Birmingham International to Carlisle, which collected 6201 Princess Elizabeth at Preston for runs over Shap A wider shot of 47787, 47804 was the rear loco A wide view of the foggy conditions surrounding 90028 after it arrived at New Street, ready to form the 19:00 return to Euston 90028 stands next to a Wolverhampton local service, now operated under the London Midland banner 82101 is seen at New Street just as the driver gets in and switches the lights over An HDR image of 82101 at the head of the 19:00 New Street to Euston service

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Thu Nov 1 2007 October 2007 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1381388.html This month starts with an expidition to the North West. With the Caledonian sleeper being dragged by a Class 60 from Crewe to Preston, I had to make efforts to get a photo. So after arriving at preston and photographing pur service train, me and Lee waited for over an hour for the sleeper to arrive. We were then confronted with 2x67s at the front and one on the rear, no 60 in sight!! To make matters worse, 67029 was buried in the train, I would have accepted it as a consolation on the front. After we shot this train, we travelled on 185123 from Preston to Manchester Airport (at 02:08) and on to Sheffield (03:18), arriving on the same unit at 04:37. This left a little time to shoot units stabled around the station before boardong 43054/055 to Luton, and another HST back North to Leicester. We rounded the day off with a trundle on 170510 to Birmingham, where I had 50min to eat breakfast and book on for duty!!!!! Unmissable though Monday 1 October 2007: This month starts with an expidition to the North West. With the Caledonian sleeper being dragged by a Class 60 from Crewe to Preston, I had to make efforts to get a photo. So after arriving at preston and photographing pur service train, me and Lee waited for over an hour for the sleeper to arrive. We were then confronted with 2x67s at the front and one on the rear, no 60 in sight!! To make matters worse, 67029 was buried in the train, I would have accepted it as a consolation on the front. After we shot this train, we travelled on 185123 from Preston to Manchester Airport (at 02:08) and on to Sheffield (03:18), arriving on the same unit at 04:37. This left a little time to shoot units stabled around the station before boardong 43054/055 to Luton, and another HST back North to Leicester. We rounded the day off with a trundle on 170510 to Birmingham, where I had 50min to eat breakfast and book on for duty!!!!! Unmissable though

57310 'Kyrano' stands at Preston having hauled 390052 'Virgin Knight' from Crewe 390052 'Virgin Knight' stands at Preston being serviced by the efficient staff 57310 joined classmate 57301 'Scott Tracy' stabled at the back of Preston I couldn't resist this shot, especially when you notice that in the centre of the two cabs you can see the 'Virgin Trains' logo on the Pendolino door window. More perfect placement I could not ask for 142023, one for all the railbus fans at Preston. I'll get stick for this, as I'm not a big fan at all What's the hell???? 67014 heads 67029 and 90031 on 1S25 London Euston-Inverness sleeper. Was I not pleased to see this! The train makes a fanastic spectacle under the canopy of Preston 90031 'The Railway Children Partenrship' taken while the loco is further back under the roof at Preston station than normal, just after the 67s detached 90031 just before departure from Preston, it's passengers no doubt oblivious to the haulage they've had A grab shot at ISO 1600. 67029 leads it's stablemates back to Warrington, non stop through Preston 185123 shortly before it was brought to life to form the 02:08 Preston - Manchester Airport 144002 sits at Sheffield ready to form an early Lincoln service 43054 stands clagging at Sheffield with the 05:20 Sheffield to London St Pancras An internal shot of Mk3 TGS on the 05:20 to St Pancras A prototype model of a Class 60, now at the NRM, York 5224 At Grosmont NYMR, shortly after taking over from 61994 'The Great Marquess' 5224 GWR 2-8-0 tank at Grosmont, shortly before departure 'The Great Marquess' pauses as it waits for the signal into Grosmont depot Josh shows his vote of approval for compartment stock, non of that corridor rubbish! An early Midland Railway carriage complete with NRMs attempt at Madame Tussauds Black 5 no 5000 on preserved Royal Train carriages A very early Royal carriage, showing the early design that looks very much like a Stagecoach mounted on a railway chassis. This was used by Queen Victoria An HDR shot showing the lavish interior and exterior of one of the Royal vehicles My lounge doesn't look like this, let alone in a train carriage Another plush interior ....and another ....and another 31108 in the air conditioned luxury tent that is afforded the diesel fleet (or at least some of them) Record breaker. I won't insult anyone with the details Two steam engines of legendary history, side by side in the Great Hall Some Chinese (corrected) loco I neglected to get the details of 55002 stands between some of the exhibits at NRM 41001 the original, and pretty ugly prototype for the HST, thank goodness they changed the design, even if only slightly 'Hardwicke' stands on the turntable surrounded by other exhibits in the Great Hall 87001 'Royal Scot' should still see active service today think Napier Deltic engine stands in front of one of the best homes it could have had, 55002 08911 inside the Great Hall A Shinkansen exhibit is a nice global touch, and fully deserving of these revered trains Eurostar cab shown with a segment of the concrete tunnel lining of the Channel tunnel, and alongside is Thomas the Tank Engine. A loco that can claim to have travelled through many more countries, just via a different method. D7628 stands at Whitby after arriving with the first scheduled working of a class 25 for 16 years 75029 stands at Whitby before propelling the stock out for the return trip 170633 is now unbranded for the franchise handover. It is seen at the West end of New St with a Shrewsbury service 350121 is wearing the interim livery that has been applied to the Desiro fleet, with wrap-around livery on the cab sides 350121 seen at the other end, with only one side 'greyed' 170639 also unbranded stands at Cardiff Central forming the 20:00 to Nottingham 150019 has fallen victim to some excessive vandalism, even for a 150! An ex MMl, soon to be ex CTL Class 170 lurks behind the pillars at New Street

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Mon Oct 1 2007 September 2007 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1364886.html September 2007 Saturday 1 September 2007: September 2007

D1015 Western Champion accelerates through Cofton cutting (nee tunnel) with the Cambrian Coast Express from Ealing Broadway A wider view of the Whizzo passing Longbridge reversing sidings, in the gloom but plenty of thrash!! 47810 with FGW mk2 barrier and 43192 'City of Truro' at Gloucester Horton Rd. Behind can be seen 82134+128, recently moved down from Doncaster and stabled prior to a move to Long Marston 158819 stands at the West end of Platform 2 at Cardiff Central Could these two bubbles really rescue anything?? I think they're now in need of assistance rather than the other way around 47200 'The Fosse Way' in the yard at Gloucester UID plastic climbing the Lickey at Vigo bridge. I was waiting for a Jarvis move, turned out to be a tamper 66020 glows in the evening sun on the Down Relief between Newport and Cardiff Unusual effect at work here, the Swansea bound FGW HST is heading into the sunset, but courtesy of a new office development East of Cardiff Central, the sun is reflected back aolng the formation to give the impression of two sunsets!! If this train hadn't been delayed the shot wouldn't have happened, so it wasn't all bad news A wider shot of the HST and 'double sunset' as it passes Cardiff Canton 08899+697 in rather different states of repair The varying scene of Derby RTC. How they treat machines differently, 47712 is stripped, the centre 31 has just been repainted, and 31107 was smashed into a Renault. A strange way to treat your servants lol Can anyone help with the ID of this 08. Ever since I passed out as a guard (10 years on 15th Sept), this shunter has been stuck inside this rather forlorn shed in the middle of Etches Park. With the redevelopment at full tilt, they obviously have designs on the sheds removal, and not before time. However the tarpaulin means I can't get the shunters number, a shame as it's finally 'come out' after at least 10 years in the closet 66129 passes 158858 at Lawley Street in the evening light 170106 heads across Proofhouse Jcn on an empty run from Tyseley to New St I wanted to try some low light effects with motion, these two shots are taken outside of Newport, this one approaching Maindee West Jcn This shot is of the same service sweeping into Platform 2 at Newport, I like the fact all is blurred except for the unit (mostly) and the rails 170397 curves through Croome with the 13:30 New St-Cardiff Central 220017 amongst the shocking vegetation that's shot up at Croome over the past year 60048 on a steel train to Margam, I would have preferred it later, but I got bowled by plastic 57315 'The Mole' heads the Dueen of Scots stock past Coundon Road box on the Coventry to Nuneaton line, taken from the former platform A closer shot of 57315 close to ex-works condition for this trip 57316 'Fab I' brings up the rear of the private train to Chester 66248 approaches Norton Junction with a freight from round Oak D1015 'Western Champion' accelerates away from Norton Junction with a private charter from London Victoria to Bewdley. This was in aid of Phil Swallow's 50th Birthday (he is the owner of Taw Valley). The trip had originally planned to be kettle hauled throughout but, for whatever reason they chose to upgrade the traction Shot of the day as D1015 clags away from Bewdley South Junction towards Kidderminster, where the stock was serviced and cleaned. Exactly how much this little jolly cost is anyones guess 67012 trails the train, there to avoid the need for loco run around on the SVR 67012 rounds Safari curve on the approach to Bewdley with the VSOE stock. If only someone had thought to put the matching class 73 on, which is currently at the SVR, just for this short trip D1015 coasts through Langley Green, just North of the station on the return to London GWR 4953 'Pitchford Hall' speeds towards Kidderminster shortly after passing Blakedown 45110 in suitably grimed up condition reminiscent of the end of steam in the 60s at Bewdley South 5764 accelerates away from Bewdley with a Kidderminster train LNER 4771 'Green Arrow' arrives tender first into Bewdley for a date with the teak stock 4953 'Pitchford Hall' brings it's train into Bewdley ready for a loco change 45110 heads back to Kidderminster 4936 'Kinlet Hall' powers out of Bewdley A wider view of the Birmingham Snow Hill leaving Bewdley D8188 was a welcome replacement for the failed Rood Ashton Hall Green Arrow absolutely blazed away from Bewdley, making it look (and sound) downhill all the way! 4771 was wearing 'Cuneo Continental' headboard Last shot of the V2 rocketting (apologies) away 47847 a very welcome loco on 5Z90 Laira - Derby, better than a boring shed, unfortunately the light was less than ideal, the train is seen passing Tredington just North of Cheltenham Passing shops at Tredington 221101 approaches the level crossing 170105 heads towards Cardiff 170105 rounding the curve towards Swindon Village 66086 headed a freight from Ashchurch MOD, sadly missing any heavy duty hardware on the flats And some more..... 66027 was on EWS tanks seen after powering up the grade from Ashchurch A wider view

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Sat Sep 1 2007 August 2007 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1341399.html August 2007 Wednesday 1 August 2007: August 2007

47813 stabled in Platform 2 at Crewe 156404 leaves Crewe with the 13:07 to Derby. I have a Photoshop created pan of this shot <a href='http://trainpics.net/p43822046.html'> here</a> and a zoom burst Photoshop version <a href='http://trainpics.net/p43822047.html'> here</a> 153353 sits in platfrom 7 at Crewe after terminating 20315+311 returning from Bristol on their 2 day route learning trip. I have boosted the pan of this image in Photoshop, which can be viewed <a href='http://trainpics.net/p43822048.html'> here</a> 350105 arrives into Platform 5 at Crewe 66024 rounds the curve into Crewe 175110 arrives from Manchester, I believe this is my first shot of this livery in the sun 66407 leaves Crewe after a crew (get the pun) change 323225 heads away from Crewe The NMT arriving from the North, with refurb'd power cars and only mk3s in the consist 60074 heads a steel train past East Usk yard outside Newport on it's way to Margam Just the odd buffet and power car of this HST are in the old colours 33103, 47832 and 31601 provide the perfect example of pre FM, during FM and post FM liveries, albeit in the wrong order 43089 'Hayabusa' at the rear of the Hybrid NMT at Derby, this is currently running with 3 MML mk3s, presumably for load testing 47810 stands in the sun at Gloucester 57302 powers away with 390038 at Castle Bromwich, about to be diverted onto the slow line due to the damage caused by the previous days freight derailment at Washwood Heath 165116 accelerates away from Norton Junction box after receiving the token for the single line 158747 'Richard Trevethick' approaches Norton Junction with a train heading to Cheltenham Spa 60054 was allocated to the afternoons Round Oak-Margam working, seen here powering away from Abbottswood Junction Another shot of 60054 at Abbottswood junction I was surprised to see a pair of tractors waiting at Walsall After a stop of half an hour, a suitable amount of clag in waiting was stored up for this shot, full marks to the driver for opening the taps! 90048 on a Northbound Freightliner service at Slindon 37609 was booked on 0Z17 from Carlisle A Pendolino heads south at Slindon A Glasgow bound Pendolino on the Down Fast 66503 'The Railway Magazine' on the Slow 90045 on an intermodal working 66127 on a trainload of autoballasters bound for Basford Hall, in preparation for weekend possessions no doubt Deja-vu. 6S73 Bescot-Mossend was rumoured to contain these locos from earlier DIT, but they ended up being the sole locos, much to my joy! I neglected to get the number, but this was the first service train to pass through Coleshill Parkway since it opened The Mayor of Coleshill stood next to the Welcome sign The Mayor, his wife and Warwickshire county councillor talk about the new station underneath one of the station signs 170514 arrives into Coleshill with the 10:06 departure to Leicester, seen greeted by family and friends of employees from the last Coleshill station and signalbox, along with the mayor and councillors The driver of 170514 poses with his train at Coleshill, there was a delay due to lots of official photographs being taken with the train in the platform The slow lines at Gaer Jcn were closed for track renewals from New port station to Alexandra Docks Jcn 143603+621 sit at the West of Cardiff Central awaiting their next duty A side profile of 33103 sat at Derby, what it does best (lol) 31601 says 'Didn't I used to work with you?' to 31459 as they briefly meet at Derby station 31459 sits between pegs at Derby before reversing into Derby RTC 60024 passes behind Derby station on tanks 56302 at Ryecroft Jcn. Remember when this train used to have about 3 containers on, good to see Jarvis have made a success of both the working and the traction

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Wed Aug 1 2007 July 2007 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1316993.html July 2007 Sunday 1 July 2007: July 2007

A DVT leads it's train south at a new location for me. Frinkley Lane just North of Grantham is my first non-station ECML location A North bound HST passes, mercifully neither power cars had MTU engines fitted yet Another mk4 set heads for the capital, in capital conditions This is what the day was for, and sadly just 15min after the sun went and rain came, 87s 022 and 028 lead a brand new rake of GBRf hoppers to Doncaster. However if the train had been on time it would have come through in a deluge. I was just glad to be there to record it. The train closer just before gliding past me. Note both pans up, so 10000hp on demand continuously! 60047 heads north at Rugeley TV with a train for Peak Forest A wider view of 60047 168217 at Hatton North Jcn 66210 on an intermodal at Hatton North Jcn 165005 slowing to stop at Hatton station 220012 pan shot at Hatton A view of the infrastructure at Bearley West Junction 150010 rounding the curve to Bearley Jcn This is an alternative crop of the previous shot Closer angle of 150010 Tangmere crosses Bearley Jcn with a train to London Victoria Tangmere starts to accelerate towards Claverdon 150015 passes Bearley West Junction Signal Box 50049 had gone to Stratford to shunt release the stock Tangmere had brought in. Here it is seen returning light engine to Tyseley I took shots around the box, because according to the bobby it's got about 3 years left to live A panorama of Bearley West Junction with all major items in view With the demise of the current footbridge and platforms at Bescot Stadium I decided to go out and take some shots before closure. This is a Panorama made up from 53 individual photographs into one, I know it's not perfect but I'm still learning the shooting techniques A view of the booking office and bridge on the Birmingham platform A view of the bridge taken from the ramp up from the Car Park, I imagine the new bridge will be shorter, but the headshunt for the virtual quarry is still under the bridge currently A rare combination of 170s on the 08:30 Birmignham to Cardiff at bankers bridge 66710 on 4Z47 to Long Marston, I was looking forward to the return working, but they saw fit to run it early AND divert it. Not at all helpful Another view of the GBRf shed and the flats it was taking to Long Marston 60076 powers up the Lickey as I wait for the diverted 5Z47 to pass me 60076 again on tanks A nice shot of a Voyager in the sun, with the weather that was about to engulf me. This meant I couldn't even shoot 5Z46 Landore to Loughborough Wider view of the shop and bad weather. New nickname needed with the abolition of shops Another day, another shop, this one at Eckington, delayed of course, with a service to Plymouth This is what it's all about, 31454 and a matching rake of mk2s head to Minehead via Gloucester to pick up another ped (presumably they were due to tackle a gradient steeper than 1 in 500 lol) Another shot of the glorious consist, I presume this is for the forthcoming summer services between Minehead and Bristol How close was I to being bowled? This is a late running Kingmoor to Crewe move comprising both of the DRS liveries, and both versions of a Class 47 bodyshell And after catching my breath at the near miss, this is the overall shot of the train, seen just North of Crewe shortly before terminating. Damn Desiro nearly gave me a heart attack Tram no.7 on the Great Orme Tramway, Llandudno Another view of the tram before it takes the plunge Here the tram I'm on is descending to the passing loop, and you can see the ascending tram approach On the lower section of the tramway, tram 4 swoops round the precarious bends with the coast in view I chased this tram down the hill, to get more shots in the conditions Tram cars 4 and 5 pass at the loop, I couldn't have timed it better A last view of the tram as it turns across the road for the final descent into Llandudno Josh gets ready for some narrow guage bailing This was our loco, shown at Porthmadog on the Ffestiniog Railway The loco now runs around to rejoin the stock A view of the train ready to depart, sadly the weather was very Welsh A vertical shot of the train at Porthmadog Boston Lodge works viewed from a moving train One of the shots to show the inacessable but fantastic scenery

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Sun Jul 1 2007 June 2007 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1293971.html The month starts off with a few days on the SVR. Courtesy of Mr Potter driving the Western on the 1st and King Edward I working over the weekend. Friday 1 June 2007: The month starts off with a few days on the SVR. Courtesy of Mr Potter driving the Western on the 1st and King Edward I working over the weekend.

D1013 Western ranger runs light engine into Kidderminster 4566 follows into Kidderminster to work the 10:30 departure to Bridgnorth D1013 opens up accross Falling Sands viaduct with the driver school empties for Bewdley Wider view of Western Ranger polluting the entirety of Kidderminster in one run! An HDR shot of D1013 with peg reflection in the window A glinted shot of 7802 Bradley Manors nameplate D1013 again causes black out, this time at Northwood Lane HDR image of Highley signal box that we were priveleged to look around The token instrument for Hampton Loade at Highley, station in background D1013 arriving into Bewdley after completion of the first driver course A wider view of the Western from the foot crossing on Northwood Lane The main man himself, Dan had to wait to be last to thrash the Western, by which time it was intermittently on one engine only Dan gets a feel for the controls at Bewdley And from above A vertical crop of the local area decimation D1013 accelerating at Hay Bridge, plenty of clag D1013 side on at Hay Bridge Dan gives a flail from the rear cab whilst climbing Eardington Bank 4566 crosses Oldbury Viaduct into Bridgnorth in partial sun D1013 with Dan 2nd manning crosses Oldbury Viaduct D1013 at Northwood Lane, Dan finally at the controls, sadly no clag Wider shot of Dan's glorious day out 6024 King Edward I at Northwood Lane Closer shot of the King on its way to Bewdley D1013 again provides fireworks, but subdued at Northwood Lane Wider angle of D1013 at Northwood Lane This is a close crop, my lens was 17-50mm, of D1013 opening up at Hay Bridge. To see a video clip of this hosted on YouTube click <a href='http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ce9RHbyqAHY'>Here</a> A better overall shot of the train, less clag though Final shot of D1013 attacking the gradient King Edward I romped up the bank in reverse, barking like crazy. To see a video clip of this hosted on YouTube click <a href='http://youtube.com/watch?v=PUjk3PA40Fw'>Here</a> A side on slight pan of 6024 KEI D1013 at Hay Bridge, just for the record Wider anlge from below D1013 5164 takes it's turn at Hay Bridge Nice to have a choice of 3 'rods at the bottom' images at Hay Bridge My favourite shot, due to the clean consistent stock. To see a video clip of this hosted on YouTube click <a href='http://youtube.com/watch?v=avhHIYYyIFw'>Here</a> Side on shot of 5164 6024 crosses Oldbury Viaduct. 42968 crosses falling sands viaduct with the 13:05 Kidderminster to Bridgnorth service 6024 King Edward I crosses the viaduct into Kidderminster with the 12:15 from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster 165007 approaches Dorridge 31105 leads 31285 and 50049 to Tyseley. 31105 was actually running dead after a flashover 323201 between Wylde Green and Chester Road 323242 approaching Chester Road This is a crop of the heat haze at Wylde Green 323202 approaching Chester Road 323209 approaching Chester Road 323s 207+218 arriving into Chester Road Pandora 960011 passes a 323 in the heat haze Pandora was on a short Derby to Derby via Birmingham International

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Fri Jun 1 2007 Disused line Wolverhampton - Dudley via Wombourne http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1281043.html For a far more full and frank description about this disused railway between Wolverhampton and Dudley via Wombourne, please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wombourne_Branch_Line I hope to add more to this gallery as I go on The archive newspaper images were photographed as is from the Ranger station situated in the former booking hall of Tettenhall station Monday 14 May 2007: For a far more full and frank description about this disused railway between Wolverhampton and Dudley via Wombourne, please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wombourne_Branch_Line I hope to add more to this gallery as I go on The archive newspaper images were photographed as is from the Ranger station situated in the former booking hall of Tettenhall station

An archive photo of the girder bridge crossing the main roads at Compton. Compare to the <a href='http://www.trainpics.net/p41368304.html'> Modern day image</a> A colour coded close up of the station area, to show which buildings are which The overall map of Tettenhall station as built Wombourne signal box, photo from a local paper originally An 8F heads a goods train out of Wombourne The description says it all, photo of a newspaper cutting Read description above once more... This girder bridge crosses the canal south of Tettenhall station This is the building at Tettenhall that shows up Blue on the <a href='http://www.trainpics.net/p41368305.html'>colour coded map</a> The goods shed at Tettenhall has been recently used for alternative use. It is red on the <a href='http://www.trainpics.net/p41368305.html'>colour coded map</a> This is the booking hall at Tettenhall on the down platform, shown as purple on the <a href='http://www.trainpics.net/p41368305.html'>colour coded map</a> A modern day shot of the girder bridge which crosses the line at Compton. Compare to <a href='http://matthewwilson.fotopic.net/p41368298.html'>original 1930s photo</a> Just beneath the undergrowth can be seen the up platform, which never had an associated running line laid, this is green on the <a href='http://www.trainpics.net/p41368305.html'>colour coded map</a>

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Mon May 14 2007 May 2007 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1270472.html May 2007 Tuesday 1 May 2007: May 2007

66172 succeeds in choking me to death as it approaches Weaver Junction 66416 with a far more user-friendly consist behind 66402 heads South towards Acton Bridge with its container train 66189 on a rake of box empties NMT southbound for a turnaround at Crewe 86604+638 on 4L92 Ditton-Felixstowe intermodal train Vertical crop of NMT now heading North to Liverpool Lime Street Lanscape crop of the same photo fo the NMT Vertical crop of 66151 on sand wagons, again severe dust in the eyes Landscape crop of 66151 1977 or 2007?? 86101 heads North at Acton Bridge with blue/grey mk3s. A points failure at Weaver Junction meant the sun came round more onto the nose A landscape crop of the same shot of 86101 racing North Network Rails 150 heading away towards Acton Bridge 92003 speeds through Crewe after taking the fast line 66539 turned towards Manchester at Crewe 86101 leads 47839 into Crewe on the mk3s. The train should have gone to Stafford but instead terminated at Crewe due to lateness A closer look at the locos as they traverse into platform 1 at Crewe 10202 is the RFB, and like the rest, looks magnificent 323236 arriving into Crewe 390022 shows the aerodynamics of the Pendolino A closer view of the screen being washed at Crewe A vertical shot of a Voyager arriving at Crewe A Pendolino speeds on the through lines at Crewe 90046 curves round from Basford Hall 325006 on a postal service heading through Crewe This water tower is a last link to a much earlier life at Cardiff Canton depot An HST to Swansea leaves Cardiff in the evening sun The view back as the refurb'd HST heads into the sunset at Cardiff Canton A pair of First Great Western 158s traverse the ladders of slips West of Cardiff Central 33103 and 31454, now with Mainline branding stand at Derby 66194 passes through New St in the evening sun with some ballast empties An MML HST slows to stop at Chesterfield as it passes Hasland A Voyager approaches Hasland with the famous crooked spire in the background A double Voyager heading South at Hasland 37603 and 604 power through Hasland in the evening sun A wider view of the EPS 37s at Hasland Phone-a-bail courtesy of Mr Potter, you can find his Fotopic site <a href='http://dan43004.fotopic.net'>HERE</a> 60025 descends the Lickey with steel empties to Margam 66199 heads old-school MGR ascend the Lickey, with 66055 looking rather unhealthy at the rear 66055 shows just why Freightliner purchased low emissions 66/9s 66055 clagging at the rear of the MGR polluting the surrounding area 47813 heads mk3 stock to Long Marston through Bankers Bridge Slightly closer shot of the same 47810 leads Heartland Rails Bristol to Whitby charter 47813 was the trailing loco, amazingly just light enough at Vigo Bridge even at 06.50!!!! 31452 stands in Gloucester yard with a former Intercity mk2 31454 and 33103 in the siding at Derby Close up of 31454 at Derby The NMT came into Derby from the RTC heading for Paddington via Tamworth Nice to hear proper HST power cars on the NMT

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Tue May 1 2007 April 2007 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1253641.html April 2007 Sunday 1 April 2007: April 2007

08936 sat on the yard at Gloucester 60046 seen approaching Cardiff, rarely on old MGR stock 31107 and 56301 in Derby RTC 37452 at Gloucester A squirrel in the woods at Pitcher Oak Woods in Redditch 37609 reversing at Derby A view of Cheltenham canopy and station platform A view of Gloucesters TRTS plunger with the canopy shadow 150101+125+124 cross Proofhouse Jcn with a light move from Tyseley. A busy scene beneath the rotunda 350128 and 323204 passing at the east end of New St 37406 stands by the virtual quarry at Bescot 37406 again with stock at Bescot 390027 awaits its route at Proofhouse Jcn 66527 coming off the Sutton Park line at Water Orton 43072 'Derby Etches Park' actually at Derby etches Park 170398 sits at Nottingham having arrived from Birmingham 170504 and 170506 and 158788 make a corporate picture at Nottingham 170506 passes 170504 on it's journey to Liverpool 158788 stabled in the sun at Nottingham A different view of 170398 at Nottingham Nottingham centre is a strange place to find a windmill In need of some glossy paint at Moor Street A Voyager and Pendolino pass at Proofhouse Jcn A Chiltern service leaves Moor St 150014 arrives into Birmingham A closer shot of 150014 on the viaducts at Moor St Another view of the outskirts of Birmingham Room with a view More Virgins passing at Proofhouse A different view of Moor St A former Anglia 150/2 heading for Shirley Moor St once more 47200 in the yard at Gloucester 221121 heads south towards Tile Hill 321413 at tile Hill 390039 approaching Tile Hill 67011 on an empty stock to Old Oak Common. Should have been double tractors!!!! 150237 on a New St to Shrewsbury service at Cosford 66014 on am early MGR from Portbury to Ironbridge 170635 was on the service train booked just infront of 406 First shot of 37406 at Cosford on loaded auto-ballasters Slightly more side on shot of 37406 at Cosford, MAGIC! 57306 prepares to drag 220008 out of Platform 1 at New Street Virgin driver Martin Lowry poses alongside the 57 The other VT crew look on as 57306 draws out of the station 110mph is optomistic, due to a track circuit failure this HST was doing 10mph into Loughborough! A vertical shot of the same HST at Loughborough 66129 moves slowly along the through road at Gloucester 142073 leads 142083 on a Merthyr service

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Sun Apr 1 2007 February 2004 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1233771.html This just contains some photos from a day at warrington Bank Quay Sunday 1 February 2004: This just contains some photos from a day at warrington Bank Quay

90026 in the bay at Warrington Bank Quay An unidentified 37 makes a mess of Warrington Yard

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Sun Feb 1 2004 March 2004 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1233743.html Gallery contains photos from Rugby, and the Grid Farewell tour, Monday 1 March 2004: Gallery contains photos from Rugby, and the Grid Farewell tour,

66510 and 57302 in the bays at Rugby A pan of 390029, a long time before my pan of the same unit in Superman guise Iris II in the south bay at Rugby 56115 at Barnt Green with the farewell grid tour An HST stands under the magnificent roof of York station 155304 leaves York

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Mon Mar 1 2004 April 2004 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1233736.html A visit to the Southern part of our railway network, and some 60s on freight at Croome Perry Thursday 1 April 2004: A visit to the Southern part of our railway network, and some 60s on freight at Croome Perry

Darth Vader arrives at Gatwick 1863 arrives at Gatwick Some more slam doors at Gatwick 159019 at London Waterloo 60045 on steel through Croome Perry 60013 on coils at Croome Perry 60089 accelerates from Round Oak

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Thu Apr 1 2004 May 2004 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1233694.html Two double headers only in this gallery, but high quality ones at that. Saturday 1 May 2004: Two double headers only in this gallery, but high quality ones at that.

33103 leads classmate up the Lcikey 66713 leads 66712 south towards St Neots

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Sat May 1 2004 June 2004 http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1233674.html My first DRS shed and a trip to Aberystwyth with two 37s courtesy of Saltley welfare. Tuesday 1 June 2004: My first DRS shed and a trip to Aberystwyth with two 37s courtesy of Saltley welfare.

66401 passes Nuneaton with one of it's early duties 37308 stands at Machynlleth at the head of the Saltley Seagulls tour

Published in Matthew Wilson's Gallery

]]> Tue Jun 1 2004 Photoshop imagination http://www.mumrar.fotopic.net/c1230920.html This is a new gallery to move all of my Photoshop manipulations into one place. By this I mean any removal of items/rolling stock, changes in livery and multi colour effects. Friday 1 March 2030: This is a new gallery to move all of my Photoshop manipulations into one place. By this I mean any removal of items/rolling stock, changes in livery and multi colour effects.

323 215 if built about 25 years earlier, the buffers come from 37038 at Crewe open day A mock up of 323215 in Central Trains colours A 323 in GWR Chocolate and Cream colours 323 in speed whiskers A 323 in Intercity livery A 323 in old Midland Mainline livery If delivered more promptly, maybe this livery would have happened A 323 in Silevrlink livery A 323 reliveried into Virgin Voyager colours A 323 in provincial livery Does anyone remember this livery??? And how's about this, if rumours are to be believed this may well be on the cards! And through my crystal ball I had done this over a year ago. It's not truly accurate however, because if it's Arriva this would have turned round at Cheltenham and would not be seen here. Well now, how's this for spoiling both a livery and a unit all at once??? Retro livery into Centro 323 livery. This colour scheme is a guess based on the website colours. It may be changed if I get proper info. So this, for now is London Midland livery. And now an unbranded Arriva livery, maybe if they electrified the line to Aber. Of course to be accurate, the train has just terminated at Wolverhampton and willbe restarting from there :-) If the units were a bit older maybe they'd have looked like this And now a jaffa cake livery! How ace would this be This is the first version of NSE for units And here is NSE version 2, as seen on 159s for example Although I don't think this will happen, wouldn't this livery look great. Here is a Desiro in Voyager colours This is my vision of a refranchised WCML at Warrington Bank Quay, just for a laugh really. Here is a livery request I had from a friend. So here's 150008 in whiskers at at Bishopton My mock up of possible future franchise changes I know this will cause debate/upset D1023 Western Fusilier 33103 in an effort at Cotswold Rail repainting I couldn't resist returning an old school look to 47851 with those maroon coaches I was recently asked for a shot in the snow for a colleague, but I've hardly took any, so lots of editing made this FAKE shot. Click <a href='http://www.trainpics.net/p27635946.html'>Here</a> to see original image An edit of the 37s at Blakedown