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11:00.

It’s not often that I’m out working on a Saturday nowadays. The days of trackside shifts on major rail renewal projects are long gone. Nowadays I prefer to have time at home with Dawn. However, this month I have a stream of work that involves making pictures whilst the sun shines. Today, it is, so I’m off to Manchester to visit a string of stations on the city’s East side.

Right now I’m on a packed train from Halifax that’s making its way to Victoria through the Calder valley. I’m obviously not the only one making the most of the weather!

I’ll blog on and off through the day, so feel free to pop back later to see what I get up to…

11:05

We’ve made it as far as Todmorden, where I’ve managed to blag a table seat and set up the mobile office thanks to a trio of walkers who’ve left the train here. The station’s packed with people on both platforms, showing the popularity of locations both East and West.

12:05.

Having strolled across a packed city centre full of shoppers and those enjoying the sunshine I’m now at Piccadilly station, where I found this West Midlands refugee…

12:55.

It’s not just pretty country stations and rural railways you get to visit in this job. Can you guess where this is? A clue. The area’s synonymous with an old locomotive builder.

16:55.

What a glorious afternoon! The weather’s finally played ball. There’s hardly been a cloud in the sky here in Manchester, so my to-ing and fro-ing on the railways between Guide Bridge, Romiley, Marple and New Mills has provided me with plenty of useable pictures. I’ll add some from the camera later. Right now I’m making my way back from Marple via the line from Romiley to Ashburys, the next one I need to explore. Whilst some stations work well photographically in full sun, others need duller days and even light due to the fact they’re in cuttings or surrounded by trees. Then there’s the position of the sun in the sky depending on the time of day/year.

Still, it’s been an enjoyable trip. I managed a walk out to the Marple aqueduct, which provides a great rail/canal juxtaposition, and even (purely by accident) found a classic old Manchester boozer for a quick pitstop.

The Cheshire Ring, just across the road from Hyde Central station. It’s a Beartown brewery pub.
One of several rooms in the Cheshire Ring.
A pair of Class 156s working the 15:40 Marple – Manchester Piccadilly pass the Marple aqueduct.

21:10.

Home again. Today’s been a very enjoyable trip. Now I’ve chance to add a few more pictures for your delectation.

This is why 2 platforms at a time are being taken out of use at Manchester Piccadilly. These guys are working inside the roof, replacing coverings high above the platforms.
150146 calls at Hyde North with a service to New Mills Central. The line to Glossop passes in the background.
The substantial multi-level station building at Romiley.

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