Four days in and Covid is still giving me grief. Whilst I don’t feel quite as crap as I did and managed to get a half-decent nights sleep the aches are still with me. Mind you, lying in bed all day doesn’t feel like it’s helping, but Nurse Dawn is insistent that’s where I should stay and I’m not going to argue with her as she’s probably right. I remember that I pushed myself too soon the first time I had Covid, which led to me tiring very quickly, so I’m not going to make that mistake again (even If I was allowed to). It is frustrating as we’ve had wall to wall sunshine today, although temperatures haven’t exactly matched. It’s still chilly up here in the Pennines although we’re promised warmer weather soon.
I’ve kept myself occupied dealing with paperwork and other admin tasks in order to feel like I’m achieving something. The rest of the time has been spent watching Netflix or watching the world going mad on social media. I can’t help thinking that if – say – 20 years ago you’d pitched what’s going on in the White House as a film script it would’ve been dismissed out of hand as too far-fetched and unrealistic. Now, nothing that Tangoed fool in Washington does surprises me. He’s clearly the best President that rubles can buy.
Hopefully, I’ll be able to rise from my sickbed tomorrow (if Nurses’ permission is granted) and start to potter around the house again. Just getting back in the office will be a welcome change of scenery. In the meantime, I’ll leave you with today’s picture which is one of a bunch of archive pictures from 2018 I’ve rooted out to add to my Zenfolio website when time permits. It shows an aspect of the railways which is little changed in over 175 years.
The Signaller at Rainford Junction on the Kirby-Wigan line collects the single-line token from the Driver of a Wigan bound train. Kept in leather bags on the end of a metal loop these tokens are the authority to proceed for a train to travel over the single-track line from Rainford to Kirby. This form of train control is known as Absolute Block, only allowing one train onto a section of track at a time. There are fewer and fewer locations where you can see this happen due to signalboxes being abolished with token equipment being relocated to anonymous metal cabinets on station platforms which are opened by the train Driver, who uses a telephone to contact the nearest signalbox (which may be many miles away) in order to get the token released. Here’s an example. This is at Battersby in North Yorkshire.
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Whilst I was up in Newcastle for the Community rail awards I did have a couple of hours spare each day where I was able to nip out and explore in order to get a few pictures. On the Thursday I opted to explore part of the Tyne and Wear metro system as they’re introducing new trains to replace their existing fleet which dates from the opening of the system in 1980.
The weather was less than ideal due to constant heavy rain showers but I was lucky enough to hit clear weather at the right time. Time constraints meant I couldn’t go too far afield, but I did make it out as far Pelaw, which is the junction of the T&W metro routes to South Hylton and South Shields as well as the national rail routes to Sunderland and the former Leamside line which has been abandoned since the early 1990s
The truncated remains of the Leamside line at Pelaw junction disappear under the T&W metro flyover to the right. The national rail route to Sunderland, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough are in the centre whilst the single track to the left is the spur to Jarrow oil terminal.One of the new Stadler built Class 555s (555004) arrives at Pelaw whilst working the South Hylton – Airport line. This is the first of the new sets I’ve seen since they entered passenger wervice in December 2024. 46 of these 5-car trains are on order. They’ll replace the 90 Metro-Cammell built Class 599s which have worked the system since it opened. A pair of the original T&W sets (4029 and 4085) pass Felling on their way to South Shields. One of the pleasure of travelling in these seats is the fact the drivers cab only takes up a third of the front, allowing passengers grandstand views of the route from the adjacent seats.
Having sussed out some likely photographic locations on my trip to Pelaw I retraced my steps to Felling station where I found some fascinating (and tragic) local history as well as a surprising survivor of the original railway route.
Just to the East of Felling station are the steps of an old footbridge. On the Northern pier is this blue plaque which commemorates the Felling mining disaster of 1812 in which 92 people were killed. The rail connected pit was just to the North-West of the bridge although nothing remains of the site now.
Next door to the old footbridge is the original station building which dates from 1843. It was built by the Brandling Junction railway and remained in use until 1896 when it was replaced by a new station on the widened lines (which are four-track here).
I wish I’d had time to explore further but the clock and the weather were against me. But, I can see me making a return trip soon as there’s lots to explore in the area. Who knows what unexpected gems I’ll find next time?
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Sorry this is a bit late as the two days of the awards were hectic to say the least. Now I have all the pictures edited and the winners names are out – so I’ve added a link to the Community Rail Network website and details of who the winners were.
Here’s a selection of pictures from the evening which includes the range of presenters and guest speakers at the event.
The scene is set and the tables all laid at the Civic centre in Newcastle. With just a couple of minutes left before the awards start guests take their seats. There was a record attendance of over 500 people this year, the biggest awards in its 20 year history. More people wanted to attend than the venue could accommodate. This year the awards trophies have been redesigned. 19 of them await collection by deserving groups and individuals.Vicky Pipe (now Head of Audiences and Programmes at Bletchley Park) was one of the two main hosts for the evening. Our other main presenter was Martijn Gilbert, MD of Hull trains and LUMO. LUMO were the awards headline sponser. Peter Wilkinson (Department for Transport, Major Rail Projects Group) has been a long-time supporter of community rail. He gave an address celebrating the work of volunteers at this years awards which he’s attended for many years.The irrepressible rail broadcaster Tim Dunn presented two of our awards. The father of community rail, Prof Paul Salveson presented a special trophy to Hazel Lavery, who’s organised all 20 of the community rail awards. Headline winners for their outstanding contribution to community rail were Kent Community Rail Partnership. After the serious stuff was over the tables were cleared, the band appeared and the dancefloor filled up!
Now I can relax a little bit and concentrate on adding some of the other pictures that I managed to take during a few hours free time in Newcastle…
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Dawn and I are currently in Leeds, having travelled here from Halifax in order to jeet up with other members of the Community Rail Network team before continuing our onward journey to Newcastle.
After getting a raxi to Halifax station, the first leg with Northern was a breeze. A Hull bound service which starts from Halifax was sat – burbling away – at the platform when we arrived so there was no shortage of seats.
Our trusty chariot from Halifax to Leeds. Three-car 158757 has worked across the North since it was built.
We’ve chosen a good time to leave as the Metrological office has just issued a yellow warning for snow in our area! The weather’s certainly cold enough for it and hanging around Leeds station was certainly ‘Baltic’. Now we’ve met up with four colleagues aboard the 11:45 to Newcastle.
14:15.
We’ve arrived after a journey that seemed to take no time at all – mainly because we were all busy! En-route we passed under moody skies, ominous looking clouds and the occasional shower but (thankfully) no snow. Now the team’s checked into our hotel in central Newcastle. We’ve a few hours before we’re needed at this evening’s reception, so whilst the rest of the tean use the hotel as a workbase I’m off out with the camera…
A BR era class 156 sits under Newcastle station’s magnificent curved roof.
20:50.
Phew! A busy few hours. I headed out in almost sub-zero temperatures to get some pictures of trains crossing the Tyne. This meant standing another bridge just upriver where the wind chilled the bones. Typically, just as I arrived, the sun disappeared and didn’t reappear until the last few minutes before I left! Here’s a small selection. I’ll add captions tomorrow.
Heading home to thaw out and change a few of us met up afterwards in the magnificent tiled surrounding of the Centurion bar on the station for a quick drink
Before meeting up with other CRN staff and members at the nearby Lumo trains office where the company had very kindly laid on a drinks reception. It’s quite a building their office is in!
Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Community Rail awards with cake at the Lumo office.
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After last night’s shindig the pair of us have had a low morning here in Manchester. Not that we were up late, more that we took our time before heading down to breakfast – and an excellent repast it was too. The Doubletree Hilton cater for all tastes, from traditional English (with added flair) to continental and Asian. Mind you, the clientele are so varied that the food has to be.
An English breakfast to set me up for the day. It’ll be walked off by this evening!
Manchester wakes up late on a Sunday. Most shops don’t open before 11:00 – 11:30 which makes rushing rather pointless.
In the end, we did visit some shops, but it was more window than real shopping, then I said goodbye to Dawn at Victoria station whilst I stayed behind to get a few library shots. Retracing my steps to a rather quiet Piccadilly (due to engineering works and cancellations), I took a packed Transport for Wales service out to Stockport in order to bag a few long lens shots along the viaduct (pics later).
15:14.
Now, I’m heading back to Piccadilly to try a few more locations around the city. Low cloud’s creeping in on the fringes and the intensity of the sun’s dropping, so I may not hang around too long.
17:15.
Time to head back across the Pennines. I’ve had an interesting afternoon in the city, enjoying the weather, people-watching, and a few trains – although they’ve been in short supply. I ended up walking back through the city from Oxford Rd to Victoria. This allowed me to get a few architecture shots where the sun was just in the right place. As is usual, when I’m wandering around with a top-flight camera with a long lens attached, I ended up in a couple of conversations with other street photographers. It’s part of the fun! In one case, I even let a guy have a play with the Z9 with a 100-400 lens attached. I’m not trying to show off – I just knew they’d appreciate being able to handle and try out the camera. Just like I used to be.
Now I’m stood on a busy 2-car train heading East…
22:00.
I’m now back at Bigland Towers, giving me the opportunity to add a few camera shots from today.
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Today’s been another day working from home – which has been rather frustrating as the weather’s been superb. Wall to wall sunshine and rising temperatures that would have been ideal for getting out with the camera. Problem is – I’ve too much to do. Much of today’s been spent editing the pictures I captured yesterday and dealing with emails. One of which has changed our weekend plans completely. An old friend has invited the pair of us to be his company’s guest at the Confederation of Passenger Transport Awards in Manchester on Saturday. How could we refuse? Not only will it be great to catch up with Richard, it’ll also be an opportunity to meet up with other friends and colleagues before our own Community Rail Awards in Newcastle next week – which is completely sold out – and the biggest one we’ve ever had. As I’d planned to be working this weekend you can see why being stuck at home today’s worked out. The word serendipity springs to mind.
Of course, whilst I’ve been busy picture editing I’ve had another screen open which has kept me up to date with the latest madness coming out of the White House. If – 30 years ago – you’d pitched this as a script to a film company, they’d have tossed you out the door as it was too far-fetched. Now, every day delivers idiocy that makes you realise America has fallen to Putin. I’d love to know what ‘Kompromat’ the Russian Dictator has on Trump, but it must be weapons-grade. It’s fascinating (and horrifying) to see some US politicians asking what else could Trump do if he wasn’t a Russian asset? (very little: Ed). What’s been good to see is the way America’s neighbours either side of the border have called Trumps bluff over tariff’s, resulting in a reverse-ferret. But the damage is done. The farce gets worse, as now it’s reported that Trump is reining in (unelected) Elon Musk, telling him that he has no power to sack government employees. This is turning into the mother of all shit-shows!
Meanwhile, Europe has seen which way the wind’s blowing and uniting – and re-arming. Billions of Euros are being committed to Europe and Ukraine’s defense. It’s ironic really. Trump isn’t making America ‘great’ again, he’s actually sidelining it as untrustworthy and not someone to buy weapons from. The double irony? Putin’s done exactly the same. Much as I hate the idea of £bns spent on weapons, I can see the logic from a European perspective. The political world really could be changing on its axis and I’m not entirely sure the dictators in the Kremlin and White House understand what they’ve done.
OK, enough of politics. The shit-show is going to be around for some time yet. In the meantime, here’s another picture from today’s editing marathon.
This is the Bradley viaduct in …Bradley, just to the East of Deighton and on the edge of Huddersfield. It’s an impressive, 15 arch structure that bridges the River Colne and the Huddersfield wide canal. It had a very short life as a railway. It was constructed by the Midland Railway in 1910 as part of a line from Mirfield they intended to build to Bradford to compete with the Lancashire and Yorkshire railway. The line never made it further than Newton in Huddersfield, which became a goods depot. The extension was killed when the L&Y gave the Midland running powers over their route. It was made redundant in 1937. By then the Midland and L&Y had been amalgamated into the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) which built a new connection from the former L&Y route at Red Doles Jn nearer Huddersfield, rendering this section of line redundant after just 27 years. Today it’s part of a cycleway and footpath.
I’ll be working at home again tomorrow, so expect Wednesday’s blog to be expanded now I’ve all the pictures edited.
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Another short blog from me tonight as I’ve been out all day and only got home late. The pair of us were up early as we had a dentist’s appointment at 08:30 over in Huddersfield – one of our regular 6 month check-ups and visit to the hygienist for a wash and brush up. I’m not someone who’s afraid of dentists and rather enjoy coming away afterwards feeling the new definition in my teeth after having the hygienist gave ’em the once over – not that there was much to remove.
As we were in that neck of the woods and the weather was ideal for photography I decided to have a day out exploring Trans-Pennine Route Upgrade (TRU) territory. I’ll explain more at greater length tomorrow, but for now here’s a couple of pictures.
A TRU engineers train passes Bradley Junction with the single line spur towards Brighouse heading off to the left. This section will be four-tracked with the new fast lines being laid on the old trackbed to the right. A TPE service takes the Huddersfield route at Heaton Lodge Junction. The line to Brighouse is in the background. The new 100mph fast lines will be laid to the right of the train. The new bridge pier is for the road down to the waterworks between the two railways which will replace the one I’m standing on..
I’ll be back working from home tomorrow, so expect more pictures and a vastly expanded blog then.
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/
After getting home at 07:30 this morning much of my day has been spent catching up on some sleep! A shame in some ways as the weather’s been glorious for a change. Ah well…
The rest of my time has been spent glued to a computer in order to continue the marathon task of editing pictures. I’ve still got a queue of images from my Asia trip to sort out, but today I decided to focus on the pictures from Norway in order to establish a new gallery on my Zenfolio website. You can find that new gallery here. There’s many more pictures to add to it yet. Hopefully they’ll appear over the next few days as I’m going to be home-based for a while yet.
Here’s a couple of shots as a teaser.
A type SL95 tram by Central station. These bidirectional, eight-axle articulated vehicles built by Italian company Ansaldo are unique to Oslo. 32 were supplied between 1998-2004. They’re being replaced by newer vehicles built by CAF. A Stadler built Class 75 EMU at Jaren, on the first line in Norway to be controlled by ERTMS. One of the CAF built ‘Oaris’ EMUs. These units have had a troubled history. Eight of these 245kph trains were ordered in March 2015 at a cost of 115 million Euros. Expected to enter service in 2018 they were delayed until 2021. 19 days after entering service cracks were found in the bogie bolster leading to the units withdrawal. They were due to return to service in January 2023 but are still experiencing problems. Only two were in traffic during my visit, including this one, 78003 which is missing its nose cone doors at one end. As an aside, it was the Oaris platform that CAF offered in its (unsuccessful) tender for HS2!
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/
Remember yesterday when I said it might be touch and go making the last train to Halifax from Manchester Airport? Well, it was less touch and even less go…
My plane was late leaving Amsterdam Schipol, which didn’t really help. The flight itself was fine. The crew were good, we were given nibbles (and wine) without being charged for them and I was quietly optimistic that I’d make my connection. Then we landed at Manchester.
For some reason, KLM didn’t get an air-bridge, we were stuck out on the tarmac and bussed into the terminal, which ate into precious minutes. Then things turned into a farce. We couldn’t get off the buses and into the terminal because ‘the man with the key’ had disappeared! An aged member of ground staff took strange delight in telling us this. No apology, no appreciating the fact it was going to fcuk people’s connections, he treated it as a joke. As for the man with the key – you have one job…
When we finally got into the building I saw a sign that told me I was exactly 497 meters away from Immigration. Oh, joy – another half-click to walk before I get anywhere. By this time I’d given up all hope of catching the train so I texted Dawn accordingly. To be fair, the passport scanning gates worked well and my suitcase was waiting for me on the carousel, but it was all a bit late after the earlier farces.
So, plan B…
Yep, I’m still at the airport. I could have got a later train but that would deposit me in Halifax in the early hours and disturb Dawn as I’d arrive home around 2am. Instead, I’ve opted to stay at the airport, make the most of the wifi and start the marathon task of picture editing before catching a train around 04:00. A service that time of day will see me come in the front door of the cottage just as Dawn’s waking up. Besides, after the past month’s travelling my body-clock’s all over the place anyway – and this is hardly my first airport experience.
Whilst I’m here I’ve time to add a few more pictures to the blog, starting with this – my train to Oslo airport.
There’s one song that reflections my generation and its experiences. It’s neatly summed up in this picture taken at the airport. It’s a Beatles song that I just can’t stop humming on this trip. ‘Norwegian wood‘.
I swear to God, tomorrow I am going nowhere. There’s plenty to keep me occupied with at home. Plus, it’s a chance to detox after so much hospitality. That said, I’ve really enjoyed all the fish you get at breakfast.
It’s silly o’ clock, so time to head to the railway station via the 5th dimension
Select the sci-fi music of your choice…
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The group have breakfasted and checked out of the (rather nice) hotel, now we’re gathering ready to head out on our rail trip to explore the first Norwegian railway line to be equipped with digital signalling. Apparently, we’ll have our own reserved coach on the train and lunch will be served in it on the return trip! (spoiled, us?) We’ll get back into Oslo later this afternoon when I’ll have a couple of hours to myself as my flight back via Schipol doesn’t leave until 18:55.
Last night’s meal at the Munch museum was both entertaining and educational. I never realised that Munch painted several versions of ‘the scream’ or that he painted them on cardboard, which makes conservation all the more difficult. I really need to come back when the museum’s open to the public and have a mooch.
I’ll try and blog through the day, although that may be erratic as there’s a lot to see and do…
18:00 (Norway time).
Sorry, trying to blog through the day was a complete non-starter due to the fact we were on the move all day – and busy. Now I’m at Oslo airport waiting for my flight to Manchester (via Schipol) so I’ve time to try and flesh the day out a bit. First up – here’s a few pictures…
Here’s the lovely old station building at Jaren (it dates from 1900) which we visited. It’s an important point on the first line equipped with digital signalling. We got to see the new kit – and the old…Here’s how the line was controlled. This signalling panel is still in situ in the station building, although not for much longer. The old relay room in the station building. This equipment dates from the mid 1950s. It’s redundant now, but many other Norwegian rail routes are still controlled his way. You can imagine the issues with getting spares and finding people with the knowledge to maintain this old kit. One of the Stadler sets that work the line, this one was waiting for our Southbound service to pass. Back in Oslo I had a couple of hours to kill before heading to the airport which gave me time to get some shots around the station and in the city. Here’s an international train bound for Stockholm, worked by a Swedish locomotive and stock.
Our little trip gave us the opportunity to see some of the Norwegian countryside, which looked stunning as most of it was coated in a thick layer of snow. we skirted several frozen lakes and small towns along with isolated wooden bungalows and farmstead, some of which looked stunning. The only thing that was in short supply was wildlife. We had several Ban Nore and Siemens staff with us whom we we could ask technical questions of. One chap told us to watch out for Elk along the route, then he observed that when the snow’s really heavy, the Elk tend to use the railway as a trail! I wouldn’t fancy meeting one head-on!
I’ll blog in far greater detail about the trip when I’m home and have all the pictures edited. Right now my main focus is getting home!
18:50.
We’ve boarded the plane and will be on our way shortly. I’ve really enjoyed this short trip to the ancestral home. I can see me coming back to explore more soon. Whilst the Bigland family roots are to the South-West of Oslo, I’d also like to have a look up in the far North of Norway. The railway line to Narvik (via Sweden) sounds beautiful.
But for now, the main thing is to return home and start sorting out the 1000s of pictures I’ve taken over the past month – and sort out work for the future. I think my wings may have to be clipped for a little while. Plus, we’re only a few weeks away from the Community RAIL awards in Newcastle – so I need to have the decks cleared for that.
I’m writing this mid-air, although it won’t get posted until I land. The KLM flight from Oslo is less than half-full – even tho’ it’s the smaller booked plane (an Emberauer E195). Curiously, we’re being charged for drinks and nibbles whilst on the outward flight with KLM, they were free. What’s that all about?
On the bright side, this 90 minute flight should be on time, and I can make a rapid exit in order to make my 50-minute connection back yo the UK. That’s when the fun may start. I’ll have 45 mins from landing to make the last train back to Halifax…
21:10 (Netherlands time).
Another dash through the massive Schipol airport has got me to gate D57 with time to spare. Looking at the crowds here, I suspect this plane’s going to be anything but empty.
21:50.
We’ve boarded, but it’s a full flight, and we’re late. This could get interesting. Just to keep the Manchester vibe alive, it’s pissing down here at Schipol!
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/
Paul Bigland 