Monthly Archives: June 2023

3 peaks by rail. Day 2…

16 Friday Jun 2023

Posted by in 3 peaks by rail, Photography, Railways, The Railway Children, Travel

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05:40.

Good morning folks! Our train’s currently traversing the the North Wales coast towards Chester. Those on-board woke up at silly o’ clock as the train left Holyhead at 03:55. Volunteers immediately swung into action to begin preparing for arrival at Bangor where we’d pick up the walkers. This year the weather’s been ideal so for the first time in many years the teams were already waiting for the train’s arrival. The bonus is that hardly anyone climbing Snowdon has picked up any injuries and the few that have were minor.

Now teams are bedding down on the train in order to get a few hours much needed sleep before we arrive at Ravenglass on the Cumbrian coast where we’re due to disembark at 08:46. Here’s a few pictures from the day so far…

Chef Si Cooper preparing sausages for breakfast.
Meanwhile, in the catering vehicle next door, the rest of the team prepare fresh sandwiches for the walkers to take with them when they leave the train at Ravenglass.
Sunrise over the North Wales coast.
Bodies everywhere as people crash-out on the coach floors to grab what sleep they can.

07:50.

Good morning from the Cumbrian coast! The train’s woken up and everyone’s tucking into breakfast of ‘posh’ sausage rolls (with brioche baps) and porage., washed down with orange juice, tea or coffee. Meanwhile, the onboard crew have been busy preparing hundreds of sandwiches as part of the packed lunches walkers will be given to take with them to sustain their climb up Scafell. The weather here is glorious but that presents other difficulties, dehydration and sunburn being the major ones.

Arnside from the viaduct.

12:05.

The teams disembarked at Ravenglass 25 minute late due to a track-circuit failure on the Cumbrian coast line. Two trains took them along the narrow gauge Ravenglass and Eskdale railway to Dalegarth when they begin their walk to Wasdale to the climb up Scafell. This year I had the opportunity to get ahead so that I can get pictures if them ascending the mountain. So, here I am. Waiting…

There’s worse places to spend an afternoon…

21:30.

Well, that’s been a busy day! The photo above looks idyllic but when you’re sat there for three hours waiting for people to walk up into your lens the view does wane somewhat in the heat. Temperatures reached 27 degrees on Scafell today – unheard of in the history of the 3 Peaks by rail challenge. Understandably, some walkers struggled – even the experienced ones. Yet many managed to make the summit in a real feat of endurance and determination. Here’s a couple of pictures.

Now – after a couple of hours break in Ravenglass where people could enjoy a couple of glasses of ‘muscle relaxant’ we’re back on the train and heading for Scotland. The crew served the weary walkers an excellent Lasagne followed by Banoffee pie. Most people are already getting their heads down as we’re off the train at 02:15 to get coaches from Dalwhinnie to Ben Nevis in order to start the final challenge. Yet again the weather forecast is predicting a warm one.

22:30.

Our train’s looped at Beattock summit so all you can hear is the sound of the air-con which is often drowned out by the sound of people snoring. I’m the last one alive – but not for much longer. I’ve spied that someone’s left a gap between the back to back seats, so it’s my chance to stretch out and get some shut-eye. I’ll blog as I can tomorrow. It’s going to be a long day but I should have plenty of time between the teams going up on the mountain and me getting the shots of them crossing the finish line. Well, once Fort Bill opens, anyway…

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

3 Peaks by rail. Day 1, the adventure begins…

15 Thursday Jun 2023

Posted by in 3 peaks by rail, Photography, Railways, The Railway Children, Travel

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10:10.

Having completed two sets of packing this morning the adventure’s begun. Dawn was good enough to give me a lift to the station with all my kit as I’m not exactly lighly loaded. You don’t bring an overnight bag for a trip like this – especially when you’re the event photographer!

Travelling ‘light’…

I’m now en-route to Crewe via Manchester on a busy Northern service from Sowerby Bridge. Other volunteers are on their way from across the country via road and rail, ready to provision the train when the empty stock arrives in the station. But first, a few of us have a little assignment on the depot before that happens…

The weather this year means the event’s going to be a warm. one which presents its own challenges for the teams. Never let anyone tell you this trip is a cakewalk. It’s bloody hard work! At the moment thunderstorms are forecast for the Ben Nevis area but we may be lucky and just dodge them. On the bright side – they could keep the midges at bay.

This is my 6th year as volunteer which I’d never dreamed would happen when I was first asked to help back in 2017. But, like a lot of the crew, I’ve enjoyed it so much I’ve kept coming back – despite the challenges and lack of sleep. Mainly because it’s such a great cause and we raise lots of money, but also because of the camaraderie. Every year’s different too. Each one has its own logistical and weather challenges which add to the fun – and the grey hairs. Well, for those with any left!

The first challenge this year is that due to earlier flood damage on the West Highland line our train can’t get to Fort William on Saturday. Instead, we’ll run to Kingussie on the main line to Inverness. It’s a hour by road from there to the start of the path up Ben Nevis. This change means walkers won’t get as much sleep as normal on Friday night, adding to the difficulty.

11:30.

I’m just leaving Manchester Piccadilly aboard this ancient beast which is working all the way to Carmarthen. Thank God I’m only going as far as Crewe!

Nice…

Needless to say, with it only being a 2-car, it’s full and standing. At least with it only having forced-air ventilation I don’t have to worry about the air-conditioning breaking down!

16:30.

Apologies for the gap there. I’m now back at the station having spent the past few hours at the depot helping to prepare the stock for the trip. There’s a lot of work to do before the train even arrives at the station. Volunteers are already aboard preparing food whist other of us have labelled the vehicles and laid out information and supplies. I can’t show you any photos as pictures are verboten on the depot, but there’ll be plenty from the trip later – including of the surprise…

When the coleslaw you ordered doesn’t turn up – just the basic ingredients, so you have to make your own. On the bright side, there’s chance to get some Vegan mayonnaise and provide variety to some diets…

18:25.

OK, we’re almost ready for the off and the secret is out. We have rather special traction to Bangor to celebrate Katie Mason’s 23 years at the Railway Children.

Yes, we have steam engine ‘Britannia’ on the front. So, if you have chance to pop out to the North Wales coast in the next hour or two…

22:15.

Time for an update and a load of pictures. The train’s certainly turned a few heads as it made its way along the North Wales coast. En-route our teams were fed a 2 course meal of pies, coleslaw and potato salad followed by cheescake.

You don’t go hungry on 3 peaks by rail.

We had a 30 minute stop at Llandudno Junction so that ‘Britannia’ could take on water which also gave people chance to pose for pictures with the loco in a much better location than platform 12 at Crewe!

Taking on water through a slightly leaky hose!

At Bangor we dispatched the walkers who boarded coaches to get them to Snowden and also said goodbye to ‘Britannia’ which was detached to run light engine to Valley where it could turn around on the triangle. Class 47 No 47614 was waiting to take over in its stead to take the empty stock to Holyhead.

The fact the walkers were on their way is only part of the story. I stayed aboard with the traincrew who immediately swung into action, clearing up the rubbish, washing hundreds of plates and then preparing their own meal.

A volunteer’s work is never done – but it’s done with humour!

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

14th June picture of the day…

14 Wednesday Jun 2023

Posted by in 3 peaks by rail, Photography, Picture of the day, Railways, The Railway Children, Travel

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Today’s hardly been the most exciting day here at Bigland Towers as I’ve spent most of it chained to my desk – despite wall to wall sunshine outside. I’ve needed to clear the decks ready for the next few weeks which is going to see me travelling all around the country but before doing that I needed to get pictures out to clients and rejig some other arrangements as plans have a habit of changing from day to day – through no fault of my own.

The first adventure begins tomorrow when I head off to Crewe to join the rest of the staff, volunteers and participants for the 20th anniversary trip of the Railway Childrens ‘3 Peaks by rail’ odyssey. The trip has already stretched the ingenuity of the team organising the logistics of the event but I won’t explain why until after we leave Crewe. I’ll be blogging throughout Thursday and the other two days of the event when I can, although there’s some places where phone reception and wifi simply don’t exist so I’ll have to fill in the blanks later. Of course you’ll also be able to read all about the event in a future edition of RAIL magazine.

Right now it’s time for me to call it a day as not only do I need to finish packing for the 3 Peaks, I also need to prepare a set of holiday clothes because just as soon as I get back from Scotland I’ll be hot-footing it down to Norfolk the next day to catch up with Dawn and her parents in Norfolk where we have a holiday cottage booked. Thankfully, Dee can take my stuff with her to save me carrying even more kit. The 3 peaks has often caused me some fun as a couple of times I’ve had to hot-foot it to Crewe straight from other (sometimes formal) events. I’ve even had to fly straight back from Germany and travel to Bangor in a following service only to meet up with the train in the early hours of the morning. In contrast, this year I have plenty of time and no other commitments.

I’ll leave you with today’s picture which comes from the series I was taking yesterday. Here’s a pair of Trans-Pennine Express Class 185s from Manchester en-route to Leeds crossing the Uppermill viaduct.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

Rolling blog. I’m back…

13 Tuesday Jun 2023

Posted by in Photography, Railways, Rolling blogs, Travel, West Yorkshire

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13:30.

Sorry for the lack of blogging these past few days folks but I’ve been taking time off for various reasons, but now I’m back in a new week and cycle which will provide plenty of time to blog and lots to blog about.

We returned from our Surrey sojourn on Sunday. Dawn drive all the way in good time and with only one stop. The fantastic weather we’d had in Tilford when we spent the day watching Dee’s nephew playing cricket followed us home. Thunderstorms have been predicted but have failed to materialise despite the looming cloud formations being equal to the task. The lack of rain’s kept me active in the garden, lugging cans of water up and down the steps and terraces, so I’ve had quite a workout.

Yesterday was busy sorting out all the pictures I’d been taking which have gone out to various clients. I was also kept busy arranging a potential job which would have taken me up to Scotland next week. The work came in on Thursday but by the time we came to arrange it yesterday the remit had already changed! Such is freelance life. I’m not complaining as the work (and more) is still in the pipeline. Besides, I’m meant to be on holiday in Norfolk next week, which will be a welcome chance to relax as this Thursday I start the Railway Children’s annual ‘3 Peaks by Rail’ odyssey. It’s the 20th anniversary this year so it’s going to be a special event but my lips are sealed about details – for now.

Having finished with pictures and emails earlier and with the weather still cracking the flags and reaching records for the time of year here in the Calder valley I’ve ventured out for a few hours to head West and another valley. Right now I’m on Northern’s 13.02 from Sowerby Bridge to Manchester Victoria. It consists of a single 2-car Class 158 with all available windows open – which suggests the air-conditioning is kaput. It’s certainly warm in here – and noisy. On the table opposite me I have two young people knocking back the Pimms and G&Ts. I wouldn’t mind, apart from the fact they both suffer from inarticulacy. Every 3rd word is ‘like’. In the case of the young girl it’s almost every second word, which is extremely repetitive when she’s talking 90 to the dozen. Even their ‘posh’ accents can’t disguise just how limited their vocabulary is. To deaden the sound I’ve resorted to headphones and the ability to drift away on a music cloud. In this case memories of an equally warm summer day in back in 1978 when I saw Genesis at the Knebworth festival. Oh, God – I’ve just realised that was 45 years ago!

13:55

I may have been critical of the young couple adjacent to me but I’ll give them credit for clearing up the half-ton of scrap drinks cans they had on their table and binning them when they left the train. It’s more than many do nowadays.

Arrival. My train from Sowerby Bridge in the middle of a crew-change at Manchester Victoria before it heads off to Wigan Wallgate.

I made a swift cross-platform interchange to catch one of Metropolitan-Cammell’s finest modern products in the shape of a Northern Class 156 heading for Stalybridge. It’s running late but no matter as I’m in no particular hurry.

14:45.

I observed steady progress electrifying the line to Stalybridge. Since my last trip the contact wires have been installed all the way from Miles Platting as far as the West Junction at Stalybridge. There’s still steelwork to install in the station area plus the East throat and some of that is now lying in the 6 foot between platforms, ready to be installed during overnight or weekend possessions

17:15.

Next stop was Mossley but the summer sun had already moved on to leave heavy shadows which was a shame as it’s a great location. Victorian homes abut the railway with such closeness its amazing anyone got to sleep in the age of steam, when clanking unfitted freight trains thundered past their bedrooms. But then you didn’t have Nimbys in those days!

After that I detrained at Greenfield for the mile long climb up a back road to a vantage point over the Uppermill viaduct. Sadly, the view’s not what it was due to tree growth which has hidden a lot of the viaduct. Even so – on a day like this it’s still a photographic location.

18:20.

Time to head home. I’ll add some of the camera pics later. Right now I’m on a train from Greenfield back to Stalybridge in order to get back to ‘my’ bit of the Pennines. Thankfully, the walk back from the site overlooking the viaduct is almost all downhill and there’s a great real-ale pub opposite Greenfield station. Well – I felt like I deserved one!

19:15.

Well, that was ‘fun’. Checking on various timetables it seemed my best option for getting home was via Stalybridge and Manchester Victoria. So, I duly caught a train to ‘Stalyvegas’ where it all went a bit ‘Pete Tong’. Late running meant going via Victoria was up the spout. Still, there was always the option of getting the first train to Huddersfield and going via Halifax, right? Then the information screens and updates fell apart. I missed one train to Huddersfield as I was waiting for one to Hull that was only delayed by a couple of minutes but I was on the wrong platform. Then this really helpful screen came up.

Apparently, the 1841 is coming in sideways, which will upset Network Rail as that’ll take out many of the new electrification masts. Meanwhile, I was in the subway like I was waiting someone to serve in tennis.

19:12.

I’m now on the optimistically timed 18:41 which is currently crawling from signal to signal on its approach to Diggle, barely a mile from where I was taking pictures earlier. I suspect this is going to be a long journey home.

22:15.

Home again! Despite the crawl across the Pennines I arrived in Huddersfield with a few minutes to spare to catch my connection to Halifax. The 2-car Northern 158 supplying the service had working air-conditioning and was pretty empty, so the journey was easy. Admittedly, walking up the hill from Halifax to Spring Edge was more of a slog so required a pit-stop at the ‘Big 6’ for a swift half, but beyond that life’s been good. I’ll put the exercise down to limbering up for a bigger event later in the week.

Now it’s time to relax at home before another busy day tomorrow.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

Rolling (ish) blog. Poets day…

09 Friday Jun 2023

Posted by in Calder Valley, Community rail, London, Photography, Railways, Rolling blogs, Surrey, Travel

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15:15.

And relax! I’ve has a busy morning working ‘cross-border’ for the new Community Rail Partnership (CRP) in the Calder valley – which meant two separate gigs – one at Rochdale and another at Halifax. The idea was to launch the new CRP and the excellent route guide that it’s published which details the attractions and amenities along the line.

The first gig took place at the restored Rochdale station subway where a disused area has been converted into a community garden with some solid (very solid!) wooden planters and seats. It’s a great space that could be used for all sorts of events in the future. There’s also some fabulous artwork from a local artist that hides some of the more bare areas opposite. I’ll post more pictures later but here’s a few phone pics for now.

The event was well attended and a great success. The line guide was given out to passers-by along with some tasty cupcakes.

After a couple of hours we moved on by train across the Pennines to Halifax. We didn’t have a garden but we did have a rock band! Students from Calderdale college came along to belt out some number outside the station building whilst yet more cupcakes and route guides were distributed.

Job over earlier than expected (hence the title of this blog) I’m now on my way south again, this time heading for Surrey for a weekend with Dawn (who drove down yesterday) to house-sit with her, niece and nephew whilst her brother’s away. The weather in the Pennines was warm but the degrees move up for every few dozen miles I move South. We’ve just left Peterborough and I can feel the heat of the sun through the window.

18:35.

I’ve covered some ground! I’m now on my way from Woking to Farnham after crossing London care of Thameslink and with photographic stops at London Bridge and Waterloo East (pics later). The weather here in the South is certainly a lot warmer than ‘oop North’ and I feel distinctly over-dressed wearing brogues and Chinos – even though I’ve ditched the shirt for a singlet. I’m looking forward to sunning myself in the garden for an hour or so – or perhaps a quick pint outside the local pub…

One random observation from today is this is the second train I’ve been on today where the guard has been both female and foreign! The young lady on my Northern service to Leeds was of American origin whilst (judging by her voice over the PA) the conductor on this South-Western Railway train is French. It’s lovely to see/hear the railways becoming more diverse.

21:45.

And finally…

I’m now ensconced in Tilford and semi-relaxing as I begin the process of editing todays pictures si I’m going to bring this blog to an end with a trio of images from the capital.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

Rolling blog. South-eastern capers…

07 Wednesday Jun 2023

Posted by in Community rail, London, Photography, Railways, Rolling blogs, Siemens, Travel

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10:00.

I’m still in London and the South-East today but the tempo is rather different. I’ve another event to attend today but this one doesn’t involve a funeral. It’s a press lunch hosted by Siemens, but first I’m off doing some more research (and hopefully getting a few pictures) with my community rail hat on and heading back to the Darent valley line first. Right now I’m sat on a SouthEastern service heading for Sevenoaks to start my explorations. Sadly, the weather isn’t playing ball and the sunshine that was promised earlier in the week has yet to materialise. As usual, I’ll be blogging on and off throughout the day so feel free to pop back and see what I’ve been up to.

11:10.

Having arrived at Sevenoaks I had time to grab a few quick shots before catching a Thameslink service up the Darent valley to extend yesterday’s explorations. First stop was Eynesford. The station still boasts an attractive and rather substantial station building which contains a refurbished ticket office and waiting room with an original fireplace as well as a lovely wooden waiting shelter on the opposite (Swanley bound) platform. I’ll be popping back when the weather’s right to get more shots in the area as there’s a very attractive viaduct nearby. Next stop was one step – or I should say stop – back at Shoreham.

Shoreham station. Sadly, this building is currently disused, unlike the others on the line.

14:15.

There will now be a short interlude..

20:00.

OK, that was anything *but* a short interlude! The press lunch started at 13:00 and was officially meant to finish at 15:00 but ran on for so long some journo’s nearly missed their trains home! To add to the fun the dull weather we’d had earlier in the day had evaporated and those of us sat on the window side of the table began to develop a rather nice tan! Joking aside, it was great to catch up with so many of Siemens senior management team and talk about the various projects the company is involved with here in the UK. The event was held in Shoreditch which is one of my old stomping grounds from the 1980s-90s – and how it’s changed!

Afterwards I retraced my steps across London via the Overground to Clapham in order to make the most of the weather and get a few more library shots. Sadly, the vegetation that’s sprung up around the station throat has made some shots almost impossible nowadays so I cut my losses and headed back across the city to begin my journey home. A phone call earlier today has completely altered my plans for the rest of the week as I now have a commission up in Lancashire/Yorkshire on Friday when I’d planned to be down in Surrey. Still, it should make for more grist to the blogging mill.

Right now I’m typing this from LNERs 18:33 from Kings Cross to Leeds. The fantastic weather we’ve enjoyed lasted as far as Lincolnshire, when clouds rolled in from the North to re-establish the gloom which is a bit of a bugger as I’m wearing the wrong clothes again!

Sadly, I can’t upload any more pictures from the day at the moment, but I will later. Right now I’m going to spend the rest of the journey preparing them.

22:30.

I’m now home and tucked up in the warm back at Bigland Towers. We might be having gloriously sunny days but there’s still a nip in the air mornings and evenings so I can’t wait for those balmy summer nights to arrive. I’ve a busy few days ahead of me so I’m going to call it a day by leaving you with a couple of pictures I edited on the train.

BR built Class 465 number 465027 pulls into London Bridge with a service to Belvedere. Spot the pigeon…
Another (even older) BR built unit which is enjoying an extended life due to the problems with the new Class 701 trains which were meant to have replaced it years ago is Class 455 number 5864 operated by South Western Railway. It’s seen here approaching Clapham Junction with a much-changed London skyline beyond.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

Rolling blog. Locations, locations…

06 Tuesday Jun 2023

Posted by in London, Photography, Railways, Rolling blogs, Travel

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08:10.

After a last glorious day of sunshine in the Calder valley which I spent working and pottering around at home I’m heading South again. The walk to the station was distinctly chilly due to low cloud and a slight breeze knocking the temperature down to where it was struggling to stay in double figures. That wouldn’t have been a problem except for the fact i’m travelling light (OK, OK – I know the camera bag’s anything but light!) so I’m dressed for the temperatures I’m expecting to find in Kent.

Right now I’m on Northern’s 07:54 to Leeds which is full and standing after leaving Halifax – despite being a 3-car.

Hopefully, I might get a seat after Bradford. I’ll be blogging through the day (with the occasional interruption so feel free to pop back and see what I get up to…

08:12.

My hope of getting a seat was dashed at Bradford by the fact only a couple of folks got off but dozens joined us! Looking around it seems this train’s popular with both commuters and students, hence it being rammed.

09:50.

I’m now speeding South aboard an LNER service from London to Leeds consisting of two 5-car ‘Azuma’ sets on what must be the quietest Intercity train I’ve been on for ages. I’m in the rear seat with a handful of people (maybe a dozen) in each car. It’s a heck of a contrast to the Northern set I was on previously! So far, the sunshine I’ve dressed for has failed to show its face even though we’ve already hit Cambridgeshire..

10:25.

We’re currently hunting through Huntingdon! I’m sat over the rear bogie in coach B of the rear 5-car set and the oscillations are so bad at speed I’ve had to stop using my computer mouse! The motion started when we reached over 120mph after our stop at Peterborough and they’ve continued on and off ever since. I’ve never known an Azuma ride this badly.

13:50.

Apologies for the gap but I’ve been busy travelling and note-taking. After arriving at Kings Cross I made a beeline for Thameslink at St Pancras where I caught a train to London Bridge for my onward connection to Swanley. I was there to catch another service down the Darent valley line to Sevenoaks. The route’s a community rail partnership (CRP) and the subject of my ‘recce’. I’ve not traversed the route for several years so needed to check it out for a feature – including the fabulous restored station at Bat and Ball. This now boasts community rooms, historic displays and a lovely cafe.

I can recommend the freshly made sandwiches, and at 2.95 they’re a steal!

The station has an interesting history. Ever wondered how it got its name?

Now I’m on my way to a more somber event, although it will be the celebration of the man’s life and legacy. Brian Morrison’s funeral.

01:30.

Sorry folks, it’s been a long day and the rest of what happened will have to be in tomorrow’s blog as I head home for 24 hours(ish). In the meantime I’ll leave you with this final picture.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

4th June picture of the day…

04 Sunday Jun 2023

Posted by in Merseyrail, Merseyside, Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, Railways

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After my meandering around Merseyside I’m back home in the Calder valley. We’ve had another day of glorious sunshine but I didn’t have chance to enjoy much of it as I’ve been stuck in the office most of the day in order to edit all the pictures I’ve taken and get the Class 777 train test pictures across to RAIL magazine ready for Monday. Whilst I was at it I thought I might as well keep going and get all the other pictures from last week edited, captioned and onto my Zenfolio website.

You can find the Merseyrail images here, plus the Northern trains pictures here. There’s also a look at some stations (which you can find here) and also several new infrastructure images (here). To round things off I’ve now added the pictures from the last two train tests. So, if you want to have a look around the interiors of West Midlands trains new Class 196’s click here, whilst Transport for Wales Class 197 interior shots are here.

Now I’ve got these out of the way I can (hopefully) make the most of next week. I’ve another project to get my teeth into which involves reviews of certain scenic rail lines around the UK so good weather is essential. June’s looking like a busy month so there should be plenty to blog about.

But, right now, I’m going to call it a day. Dawn’s been busy experimenting with our new kitchen toy – a double-drawer air-fryer and the smells that are wafting upstairs from the kitchen are divine. So, I’ll leave you with today’s picture which is of one of the new Stadler Class 777s which are starting to enter service on Merseyside. At the moment they’re only working Northern line services from Liverpool to Kirkby and Ormskirk but they’ll be rolled out west of the Mersey soon. The Eurovision song contest led to one of the units having special vinyl’s applied which have left it looking very colourful indeed. They’ll last for another couple of months, so catch it whilst you can.

777013 calls at Maghull whilst working a service from Ormskirk to Liverpool Central.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

Rolling blog. One strike, but I’m out…

02 Friday Jun 2023

Posted by in Liverpool, Merseyside, Photography, Rail Investment, Railways, Rolling blogs

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09:15.

I’m currently in Huddersfield waiting for the first train of a strike day across the Pennines to Manchester, TPE’s 09:32. Dawn’s been a star and driven me over from home as there are no services through the Calder valley today (or tomorrow) which is making this job more challenging than usual.

Fortunately, the Northern service to Liverpool Lime Street that I’m due to connect with is also shown as running. The only question now is how busy they’ll be. Most people seem to have given up on the idea of travelling by rail today. Huddersfield station is unnaturally quiet. There’s a handful of RMT pickets outside and a few dozen people inside.

09:35.

It’s a strike day and bugger-all is running, but TPE are still struggling to run anything to time! We’re being told the 09:32 is currently running 9 minutes late. Looking at ‘Realtime trains’ it’s shown as losing time at every station it’s stopped at. I count around 40-45 people here waiting to catch it, including several prams and one guy with a humongous e-bike.

All aboard…

09:50.

Rolling! We all managed to squeeze on with a few seats still spare. I can’t see us picking up vast numbers en-route and some folk will be getting off on the way. In fact, as I type this we’ve stopped at Slaithwaite where several from the front car have left, including the guy with the e-bike.

We’re running 10 late now but it’s not going to affect my connection at Piccadilly so there’s no stress there. Instead I can relax and enjoy the trip across the Pennines in glorious sunshine.

10:40.

I arrived in Manchester late but unruffled, unlike the crowds waiting to board our train for the return trip to York! The platform was packed, with a few anxious faces wondering if they’d secure a seat. Piccadilly has several services running. Avanti, TfW, Cross-Country are operating as well as Northern and TPE. Over on pkatform 14 I saw TfW were operating a 2-car Class 197 to Llandudno, which is going to be ‘cosy’ judging by the amount of folk waiting to catch it. At least my Northern service to Liverpool’s diagrammed for a 6-car!

Piccadilly. Hardly a hive of activity.

11:30.

Success! I’ve set up the ‘mobile office’ aboard the 10:52 to Liverpool Lime St, having bagged a table in the front car. I’ll now be on time to meet old friend and colleague Pip Dunn so we can carry out a train test of the new Stadler built Class 777s which are slowly taking over Merseyrail services to displace the oldest electric trains on the national network, the BR built Class 507/508’s. I’ve a previous pictorial blog documenting their lives on Merseyside which you can find here.

I may be going off grid for a while whilst we’re working, but I’ll be back later…

18:00.

Job done, I’m back! I’m now heading to Southport where I’ll be stayiing at my sister’s this evening. Today’s been spent shuttling up and down between Liverpool, Ormskirk and Kirkby. My biggest challenge was to get Pip to realise the second K in Kirkby was silent so my fellow Scousers wouldn’t keep looking at him sideways whilst muttering “woolyback” under their breaths!

We journeyed on several of the new trains in order to get a decent sample, plus we talked to the crews. You’ll be able to read our views of the new trains in a forthcoming edition of RAIL magazine.

When Pip headed off I hung around to make the most of the glorious weather to get a few external shots of trains old and new. Here’s a couple of samples.

Shiny! The interior of one of Merseyrails new Class 777s.
777010 calls at Kirkdale.
The Daddy of the old fleet (507001) calls at Maghull with a service from Ormskirk.

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!

Rolling blog. Out and about once more…

01 Thursday Jun 2023

Posted by in Photography, Railways, Rolling blogs, Travel, West Yorkshire

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Apologies for the lack of blogging these past few days but I’ve really not been in the mood. It’s not that I’ve nothing to say (far from it) but I wanted to spare you from the splenetic invective! Today I’m back on the move as I’ve a dentists appointment over in Huddersfield, after which I’ll be popping into the town before taking the camera for a walk. Compared to the past few days when we’ve had masses of sunshine and warm weather today’s reverted to cold and grey weather, but as we’re in the midst of the next tranche of rail strikes there was no chance of me getting out anywhere yesterday anyway!

Feel free to pop back later to see what I get up to…

10:45.

I’m getting to the dentist via a combination of shank’s pony and bus so I’ve left in plentyof time to enjoy the walk through our local woods. This year’s been a fabulous one for Hawthorn blossom. I passed this display en-route.

There’s local and political history here too. I walked through an area called Skircoat Green past the pub called ‘The Standard of Freedom’. A blue plaque outside explains how it got its name.

10:55.

Rather conveniently, the bus stop I was walking to sits on the main road atop Salterhebble Junction where the lines from Halifax to Sowerby Bridge and Brighouse part company. I was just in time to get this shot of a Grand Central service heading for London

11:05.

I now have a grandstand seat at the front on the top deck of the 503 bus. It’s a bit of a circular tour as it passes through Elland, a small town between Halifax and Huddersfield. It’s an odd little place on the banks of the River Calder. Once it was famous for the Gamnex clothing factory. They were made famous because former Prime Minister Harold Wilson (who was born in Huddersfield) always wore one of their Mackintosh’s. The factory is long gone and the old mill it used has been converted into housing. The town centre’s very quiet nowadays with nany businesses closed and buildings up for sale. The irony? It’s a very Brexity area and the expression ‘be careful what you wish for’ springs to mind. Still, there is a good craft beer micropub to visit where you can drown your sorrows.

The Ellend Craft and Tap is across the road, next door to the post office.

11:45.

Having arrived in plenty of time I decided to go exploring. Whilst Huddersfield town centre is run-down and rough nowadays, this area is still rather posh. Down the many tree-lined streets and often hidden behind thick hedges or Rhodedendrons there’s a mix of housing, from soot-stained monumental Victorian piles to smaller Edwardian elegance and more modern stock from the 60s through to the present day which have been built on land freed by demolition of some of the old piles which must be a nightmare to heat and light in this era. Here’s a selection of what I saw.

Quirky…
When you pass someone’s front garden and go ‘wait, what’?
One of the more substantial terraces – and with Wysteria too…

14:30.

I’m back! I was given a clean bill of health at the surgery by both the hygienist and John, our dentist, who jokingly offered me £30,000 for my teeth as they’re in such good condition!

On leaving the surgery I walked into the town centre, ppassing this wonderful restored old tram shelter on the way.

Now I’m taking the long way home via train as I’m currently en-route to Stalybridge aboard a Trans-Pennine service from Hull to Liverpool Lime St. Still, it’s good to see that the Dept of Transport taking Trans-Pennine Express back under its control has solved the problems of cancellations and poor performance. Oh, wait…

16:10.

A quick trip across the Pennines aboard a TPE Class 185 deposited me at Stalybridge where progress on electrification of the route is steady if not spectacular. New OLE portals appear each time I visit, whilst the existing ones continue to be fitted with stovepipes, registration arms and all the other gubbins needed for the wires to be strung up.

Stalybridge. It’s like a giant Meccano set – if you’re old enough to remember that toy..

I hadn’t planned to hang around long but my plans were foiled by Northern cancelling the next Southport service due to one of the bi-mode Class 769s that ply the route breaking down. There was only one think for it – a swift pint in the buffet bar before catching a following TPE service to Manchester Victoria!

I’m now making my way back Eastwards across the Pennines aboard one of Northern’s venerable Class 150/1s. Hardly my favourite train but Northern have acquired the whole fleet (for now). Plus, they’re the oldest surviving BR built diesel multiple unit fleet so have some heritage value I suppose.

17:10.

I’m now back on the ‘right’ side of the Pennines! I changed trains at Todmoden where I was greeted by a familiar sight. I’ve posted pictures of the two ducks who inhabit platform 2 and follow you up sbd down the platform from behind the fence. Well, they’re here again today and this time I have a short video of their antics.

19:30.

Home again! It’s time to relax for a bit after walking 26,000 steps, then prepare to head off to Liverpool tomorrow for an assignment. This could be ‘interesting’ as it’s a one-way trip. Tomorrow’s another strike day which means there are no Northern trains running through the Calder Valley and TPE are running a skeleton service between Leeds and Manchester. I can (hopefully) still get to Liverpool and our target (Merseyrail) isn’t on strike and will be running a full service, but it means a night away from home as there’s no trains to take me back. Watch this space…

I’ve a small favour to ask…
If you enjoy reading this or any of the other blogs I’ve written, please click on an advert or two. You don’t have to buy anything you don’t want to of course – although if you did find something that tickled your fancy that would be fab! – but the revenue from them helps me to cover some of the cost of maintaining this site (which isn’t cheap and comes out of my own pocket). Remember, 99% of the pictures used in my blogs can be purchased as prints from my other website –  https://paulbigland.zenfolio.com/

Or – you can now buy me a coffee! https://ko-fi.com/paulbigland68312

Thank you!