Rolling blog. Here we go again…

15 Friday Dec 2023

Posted by Paul Bigland in Photography, Railways, Rolling blogs, Travel

Tags

09:00.

For the second say in a row I’m heading to London, only this time for a social event. I’m on Grand Central’s 08:11 again only this time I’ve working wifi as we have a different set to yesterday.

I feel for the poor GC staff as the empty stock was 48 minutes late into Bradford Interchange due to late running Trans-Pennine Route Upgrade (TRU) engineering work. The crew had just 20 minutes to set up before the set left again. As a consequence they’ve not had time to put out seat reservation labels, which the Train Manager has been apologising profusely.

We’re currently sat waiting time at Wakefield Kirkgate as we’re running early (this section is very slackly timed). It’s been an interesting trip so far as I’ve been able to observe some of the progress on the TRU around Mirfield and Ravensthorpe where a lot of groundworks are underway. It’s obviously time for me to head out that way with the camera. Passing the derelict old marshalling yard at Healy Mills I noticed that a lot of track that’s lain rusting and disused for decades is being lifted. There’s lots of track panels stacked, awaiting removal whilst another fan of sidings has been denuded of the silver birch forest that’s covered it for years – as you can see in this picture link.

Compared to yesterday’s trip, this train in far less crowded. I’ve a table bay to myself although that may change when we reach Doncaster, so I’m looking forward to a relaxing trip.

09:23.

Would you believe it? Another day, another track-circuit failure. We’d just passed the old colliery wasteland and derelict sidings of Knottingly when our train slowed to a walking pace. The TM came on to the tannoy to explain why we were being delayed Ah well, at least it’s not a TC failure in a tunnel, so there’s something to see out of the window this time!

09:45.

Double bugger! It’s not just the track-curcuits that are flaky. Now the wifi’s playing up too so i’m back to typing on the phone.

10:12.

Having departed Doncaster 110 minutes late we’re now flying down the ECML at 124mph and made up a minute already by the time we passed Newark. There’s plenty of time for me to window-gaze now as the wifi’s still flaky so the work I was planning to do will have to wait.

12:25.

Arrived!. There will now be an intermission…

22:00

Mind the gap! I’ve had a very convivial afternoon/evening but an interesting trip back. I caught an evening LNER service from Kings Cross to Leeds whilst being totally unaware of the chaos at nearby Euston. Apparently, there was a fatality in the Milton Keynes area which closed the line on one of the busiest days of the year. I only found out when the Train Manager of my service apologised for the overcrowding and explained reciprocal ticket acceptance. Many people were on my Leeds in an effort to then get across the Peenines to Manchester/Liverpool or beyond. I have to say, the crew of the LNER service were fantastic with customer service in the face of such a problem.

Now I’m on the 22::00 from Leeds to Liverpool which is rammed with diverted travellers. At least I’m only going as far as Huddersfield…

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

Rolling blog. Carousing and carolling…

14 Thursday Dec 2023

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

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

London, Photography, Railways, Rolling blogs, Travel

08:45.

I’m on my way to London to attend the annual Railway Christmas carols but as is often the case on the railways at the moment, it’s not a smooth journey.

I’m travelling on Grand Central’s 08:11 from Halifax to Kings Cross. This is a well-loaded train – as are all GC services nowadays. They’ve bounced back from the pandemic and then some! I’m on one of their Class 180s, which is showing its age. The front car saloon’s certainly comfortable and warm, but the wifi is kaput which is a bit of a bugger.

What’s also kaput is a track circuit in the Elland tunnel just outside Halifax. This brought us to a stand before we could be signalled through the affected track section so now we’re running late. How late yet I don’t know. Fortunately this train gets me into London well in advance of the carol service. To the credit of GC staff the young lady in 1st Class has been excellent in briefing passengers about what’s happened.

08:38.

We’ve just arrived at Brighouse where dozens of passengers are waiting. This train is going to get cosy!

10:10.

Having bimbled our way through the West Riding of Yorkshire to reach Doncaster where we took on so many passengers we’re bursting at the seams we’re now racing non-stop to London. The Class 180s may be in need of TLC (especially below the solebar) but when they get chance to stretch their legs they’re still good 125mph trains.

En-route we’re passing field after field that’s full of water, a testament to just how much rain we’ve had recently. The leaden skies we’re travelling under look to promise more.

11:55.

Having stretched its legs my 180 made up half the delay to arrive in Kings Cross just 7 minutes down. Noy bad for a hybrid set made up from two different 180s! Kings Cross was open access central when I arrived, with all three OA operators dominating one side of the station.

The station’s feeling very festive at the moment, but then so is St Pancras.

Now it’s time for me to hotfoot it over to Eversholt St. See you soon…

17:00.

What a lovely afternoon. The carol service was well attended by people from different branches and ranks of the railway family with lessons read by several well-known people. Afterwards we adjourned to the adjacent hall for mince-pies, nibbles, sherry or soft drinks. Sadly, St Mary’s church is under threat of closure so many people attending signed the petition to save it.

After the service a select few of us (as is traditional) retreated to a local hostelry to catch up with each other and swap gossip/news about the industry. Of course, names and discussions are covered by Chatham House rules! Much as I’d have loved to have stayed I’ve too much to do so right now I’m on LNER’s 16:03 back to Leeds which is formed of a Class 91 and Mk4 set.

21:45.

Back home! The journey North was uneventful. LNER performed impeccably – albeit a couple of minutes late – and my Northern connection whilst packed was also fine. There was one light-hearted moment. On the way from Leeds I had two conservatively dressed young Asian girls sat opposite who were chatting ninety to the dozen. So much so they were oblivious to the fact the train had reversed at Bradford (their stop) and it was only when the Conductor announced that our final stop was Halifax that they snapped out of their reverie with some very entertaining expletives – much to the amusement of passengers nearby! I asked them ‘didn’t you notice the train change direction at Bradford’? With a laugh they admitted they were so absorbed talking they hadn’t noticed a thing! I directed them to the Bradford bound platform with a smile! I’ve missed a stop in the past so I’m in no position to criticize…

Strolling home I did stop in our local pub for a ‘swifty’ and time to catch up with local friends, which felt a world away from where I’d just come from. Sometimes, as an ex-Londoner I very much feel caught between two worlds. Those two worlds will collide again tomorrow as I’m back in London again in the morning, this time for a different gathering, so expect a rolling(ish) blog on the morrow.

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

Rolling blog. Working overtime…

13 Wednesday Dec 2023

Posted by Paul Bigland in Class 319, Northern Rail, Photography, Railways, Rolling blogs, Travel

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Class 319, Photography, Rolling blogs, Travel

09:55

That’s not me you understand. That’s the remaining members of Northern’s class 319 fleet! Whilst most have gone for scrap and the last few have had no booked work since the December 10th timetable change the trains are still appearing in traffic. The transfer of newer CAF built electric trains from the Yorkshire (East) side of Northern’s domain has been delayed, so the 319s are being pressed back into service on some of their old routes from Liverpool only now spreading their wings as far as Manchester Airport services.

So, this morning I decided that as the weather’s picking up and I’m fed up of being cooped up in the office I’d venture out on the hunt for some of these trains. Right now I’m on a late-running York – Blackpool North service from Halifax bound for Preston. For once I’m glad the trains a few minutes late, otherwise I’d have missed catching it! The doors had already closed as I dashed onto the platform but the friendly young conductor me-mo’d to be to get on through her door. I’m now settled at a table with the mobile office up and running. This is a quiet train, so I can work undisturbed.

I’ll blog throughout the day so feel free to come back and see how the hunting goes…

11:00.

The mobile office (and Northern’s wifi) allowed me to establish that just two class 319s are in service right now. Both are on Manchester Airport – Blackpool North diagrams, one after the other. The weather over here in Lancashire is bright and sunny, leaving Preston in heavy shadows so I’m now Blackpool bound with the intention of catching the 319s on their way back from the Airport.

14:30.

Ever had one of those days? Arriving at Blackpool I was well ahead of the trains I was after so I decided to take a short stroll on the prom to enjoy the glorious sunshine before catching a train out to Layton, the first stop out of Blackpool. I had two motives. I’d never been here before and wanted to photograph the interesting old station building. My second motive was to get shots of the two inbound 319s and catch the first one back which stopped at Layton. Then it all went ‘Pete Tong’. There’s no PIS or tannoy at Layton, so you can imagine my surprise when my 13:29 thundered through without stopping. It had been cancelled between Blackpool and Preston due to crewing issues. Bugger! Plan B saw me hop on a bus to get back to Blackpool North just in time to catch the 2nd 319 on the 13:58. Only that was cancelled too! Instead it’s running ECS to Manchester Airport!

I’m now on the 14:04 following on behind and working out where to go now as the light is rapidly failing…

17:30.

Plan C turned out to be a stop at another station I’ve not visited in a very (very) long time. Leyland. It’s over 50 years since I was last here. Somewhere in the Bigland family vaults there’s some cine film taken in the late 1960 of me and my two younger sisters playing on railway wagons in the old goods yard!

The place has changed a bit since then. The goods yard was torn up in the 1970s and only one of the original station buildings remains. I’d planned to try and get some pictures here but there’s building work going on and trackside views are overgrown so I ended up having a wander into town and found a little oasis a few minutes walk from the station. The Golden Tap is a lovely little micropub in an old shop. There’s a good range of cask, keg and bottled beers including some names I’d never seen before.

I stayed long enough for a slow pint and chat with the landlord. I was pleasently surprised to find this place so I doubt it’ll be my last visit. Tearing myself away I finally caught up with a Class 319 which was stopping on its way back to Blackpool. My plan was to catch it to Preston where I’d connect with the 16:44 service back to Halifax. Surprise, surprise – when I got to Preston I found the 16:44 was cancelled. Now I’m heading into Manchester instead. Only the connection with the train I’m on has also been cancelled! I give up trying to plan now – I’m simply going to catch the first train heading in the right direction that turns up!

19:00.

I’m on the last leg now. After changing at Salford Cresent only to find the next two trains heading across the Pennines were cancelled I caught a Rochdale bound stopping service then connected with a Leeds train. It lessened my wait in the cold as the night’s turning chilly. I have to admit, I’ve lost patience with Northern’s PIS messages excusing cancellations as “short-notice timetable changes”. It’s akin to a politicans weaselling as it’s the fery defination of a cancellation but without any explanation as to *why*…

22:00.

I’ve been home for a couple of hours now so I’ve had chance to download a few pictures from the camera for your delectation.

The old station building at Layton just outside Blackpool. The main building is in use as what appears to be private accommodation but the rest of the buildings are boarded up and appear disused.

This wooden structure sandwiched between two of the brick buildings fascinated me. I’d llove to know its history.

319368 speeds past Layton en-route to Blackpool. It *should* have formed the 13.29 from Layton but ran fast from Blackpool to Preston, presumably because it was lacking a Conductor.

The only surviving station building at Leyland has been refurbished and is to let. Originally, there was a footbridge projecting from the right-hand side which spanned all four tracks to allow access to the platforms. I’ve no idea when this was removed but I’m assuming it was fairly recently.

Got you! 319368 calls at Leyland whilst working 1N50, the 1517 Manchester Airport to Blackpool North.

1N50 disgorges passengers (including me) at Preston en-route to Blackpool North.

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

Rolling blog. I’m back – with another HS2 visit…

29 Wednesday Nov 2023

Posted by Paul Bigland in East-West rail, Hs2, Photography, Railways, Rolling blogs, Travel

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

East-West rail, Hs2, Photography, Railways, Rolling blogs, Travel

07:00

Apologies for the lack of promised blogs these past couple of days. My absence was due to events beyond my control. But now I’m back, with a visit to the HS2/East West rail interchange site at Calvert in Buckinghamshire. It’s an important site as not only does it contain the intersection of E-W rail and HS2, it’s also the location of HS2’s IMD (Infrastructure Maintenance Depot). Tracklaying from E-W into the site has been ongoing for weeks and the main earthworks and bridge over the HS2 route has now been handed over. I’ll add pictures after the visit.

It’s bleeding Baltic here in the Pennines and very icy. So much so Dawn insisted on giving me a lift to the station as the pavements and cobbles (yes, we do still have ’em here) are so slippy and treacherous. It took us a while to defrost the car as the frost was so bad. But thanks to may wonderful wife I made it to the station in one piece.

Right now I’m on Northern’s 06:45 from Halifax to Manchester Victoria. This train’s made up of a pair of CAF built Class 195s but despite the fact it’s a four-car it’s very busy. Lots of us have laptops out as this is a popular business train. Whilst we’re busy typing, other passengers are busy dozing and making the most of the chance to catch some shut-eye in the warm and quiet.

I’ll blog throughout the day as I can, so feel free to pop back later to see what I get up to.

09:15.

Frustrating. I’d published a blog update from my refurbished Pendolino but the damned thing hasn’t loaded due to the wifi repeatedly dropping out. Ho hum. Let’s tey again…

Whilst I was wrapped up warm for my stroll across Manchester city centre I couldn’t help but feel for the poor homeless souls I passed asleep in doorways. At the Arndale centre I passed a group of six people huddled together for warmth under a mess of sleeping bags and blankets. They were lucky. I saw many solo sleepers with no-one to offer warmth or companionship. It’s a tragedy, and one our cynical government is exploiting as a distraction. The poor aren’t screwing the country the Tories friends are. The wealthy tax-avoiders and those who’ve raked in millions off the sale of dodgy PPE.

At Piccadilly I joined Pendolino 390132 working the 08:15 to Euston. Most of the trip’s been through thick fog with odd clear patches like this one as we crossed the famous viaduct at Stockport.

The frost and fog covered countryside looks lovely, but then I’m in the warm with a flask of coffee. I might feel differently if I was in the outside looking in!

10:07.

My Pendolino rattled its way to Milton Keynes where I’m now waiting for fellow journo and snapper Phil Marsh who’s kindly offered me a lift as we’re both going to the same event.

16:30.

I’m currently speeding North again after a busy but fascinating day where we were given a grand tour of the EKFB construction site at Calvert that allowed us access to places the public never get to visit. Our small group were given a full briefing by project managers on the work that been completed, is still underway or has yet to start. Some of the statistics are mind-boggling. The old E-W rail ‘Varsity line’ embankments have been raised by 6 meters where it crosses HS2. This is a complete reversal as originally, the Great Central trackbed that HS2 reuses passed over the ‘Varsity line’ at that point.

The East-West rail intersection bridge over HS2 looking East. This is the final phase, the 400m long ‘plug’ between tracklaying from the West (behind the camera) and the East. Below the bridge to the right can be seen the HS2 trace heading South.

A similar view looking further South-East, showing the HS2 trace and the edge of the Calvert Jubilee nature reserve that the Wildlife Trusts claimed had been ‘destroyed’ by HS2. As can be seen, it’s actually in rude health as HS2 is merely clipped off what was originally old railway land.

Looking West along East-West rail with the intersection bridge behind me. Tracklaying on this section will be completed in very early January 2024. There used to be a road overbridge in the middle foreground of this picture but with the E-W embankment having been raised 6 meters at this point the road’s been diverted under a new road underbridge.

17:55.

We’ve just left Doncaster en-route to Leeds. The 16:03 from Kings Cross is being worked by one of LNER’s Mk4 and Class 91 loco sets and been busy all the way. Many passengers appear to be dozing in the heat after what’s been a cold day all round, although I suspect we’re all going to get a rude awakening when we step off the train on arrival in Leeds!

19:25.

It wasn’t just the cold weather that was a problem at Leeds, it was the usual late-running and cancellations that added to it. My LNER service was late into the city, then my next connection to Halifax was late. Admittedly only only 8 mins, but. Once we all piled onto the Hull – Halifax 3-car (which became rammed) we were stuck in the station awaiting the road due to congestion. Of course by 2033 congestion at Leeds would have been a thing of the past as the newly opened HS2 station would have solved that problem. Then a bunch of incompetents masquerading as a government cancelled it.

Things didn’t improve en-route. The Conductor came onto the PA to announce our service would be canned at Bradford Interchange – but there was a late running Chester service only a few minutes behind! So, that’s alright then (you’re being sarcastic again, aren’t you? Ed).

To Hull and back – but from Bradford, not Halifax…

I’ve managed to find a seat on the Chester service which (thank the Gods – or Northern Control as they’re known) is a pair of 2-car class 195s. Now I’ll arrive in Halifax 40 mins late. Thankfully, Dawn’s waiting for me so I won’t have to slip and slide walking home as it’s certainly another cold one tonight…

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

Rolling blog. Anyone for tennis (elbow)?…

24 Friday Nov 2023

Posted by Paul Bigland in Class 319, Northern Rail, Photography, Railways, Rolling blogs, Travel

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Class 319, Northern Rail, Photography, Railways, Rolling blogs, Travel

09:45.

Regular readers of this blog will know I’ve talked about a problem I’ve been having with my right elbow. Well, this morning I had a call from a lovely Physio nurse down at our local GPs surgery who gave me a consultation over the phone. By the end of it we still weren’t sure of the problem so Emma asked if I could make an appointment to see her. As it was, I was free and could be there in 20 minutes, so we arranged for an 09:00 consultation today How’s that for service?

A face to face visit and chance for Emma to physically get to grips with my arm revealed the problem. I had what’s known as ‘tennis elbow’. “Dunno why”, said Emma, “I’ve never met a tennis player with it, I’ve never met a golfer with golfers elbow either. I suppose it’s just easier to say than lateral epicondylitis”.

It transpires it’s just another hazard of my occupation. Essentially, it’s a repetitive strain injury. Now I know I can change my behaviours that led to it. It will eventually go away, it’s just one more bit of my body to add to the list of those that have suffered for my art!

As I was already in Sowerby Bridge and it was early (and I had the camera bag) I decided to make hay whilst the sun shone, so I’m now on my way to Manchester to add more library images of Northern’s Class 319s before they go. My train’s a packed pair of Class 195s forming the 09:22 to Chester. I’ve no idea why it’s so busy but it’s good to see.

11:15.

After changing at Manchester Victoria for a fast TPE service to Liverpool I’ve made it to Lime St, the haunt of the trains I’m here to shoot. Here’s one of them with the type of train due to replace them. Class 323s are being displaced from the West Midlands, when they’ll head North to boost Northern’s existing 323 fleet – of which this is one..

319366 and 323224 both between turns at Liverpool Lime St.

319370 arrives at Wigan North Western whilst working 1F07, the 13.05 Blackpool North to Liverpool Lime St.

There roughly a fortnight left to see sights like this, although the number of 319s in service is declining week by week. Here’s 319386 about to work 2W90, the 1542 Liverpool Lime Street to Wigan North Western whilst 319366 waits having arrived on 2C19, the 1452 from Wigan North Western.

319386 leaving Lime ST, working 2W90, the 1542 to Wigan North Western.

Whilst the 319s are mostly found on the Liverpool – Wigan – Blackpool corridor there are a few peak diagrams that take them from Liverpool and Wigan to Manchester Victoria. Here’s 319386 at Victoria, waiting to leave after a fast turnaround due to late running. It’s forming 2G95, THE 1713 Manchester Victoria to Wigan North Western.

18:50.

Apologies for the blogging gap but I’ve been on the move a lot so had little time to bash the keyboards. Right now I’m at Hebden Bridge on my way home. Everything’s gone a bit ‘Pete Tong’ with many trains cancelled or delayed – including my connection to Sowerby Bridge. I only found out when I got here otherwise I’d have stayed on my original train to Halifax. Still, there’s worse places to be stuck for a while and the waiting room’s as warm as toast!

Just about every train I’ve been on today (and that’s been a few) has been packed. There’s certainly no shortage of passengers, especially on the Liverpool – Blackpool route. This may become a squeeze when train capacity’s cut by 25% come the December timetable change.

In the meantime, the 319s are soldiering on, although they are looking a bit careworn. Still, as their next destination’s the scrapyard, is anyone too bothered?

From a photographic perspective, today’s been a reasonable day. I’ve managed to add some new locations (for 319s, anyway) to the library even if I couldn’t make full use of the glorious sunshine. This evening the mercury is dropping rapidly, so I’m happy to head home. Besides, I’m on my travels again on Sunday/Monday so I’m going to give the elbow some room to rest!

19:41.

Almost home. There’s just time for a quick pint of hazy IPA at the Hogshead Brew House in Sowerby Bridge to fortify myself for the hike uphill to Bigland Towers. Cheers!

Saturday 26th update.

I’ve added a few more pictures to this blog from yesterday.

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

22nd November picture(s) of the day…

22 Wednesday Nov 2023

Posted by Paul Bigland in Merseyside, Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, Railways, Travel

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Merseyside, Musings, Photography, Picture of the day, Railways, Travel

After yesterday’s adventures chasing trains today’s been a complete contrast and very much home-based. Our day started earlier than planned as the window company who were fitting some new windows to the cottage turned up at 08:00 instead of the 09:00 they’d told Dawn! Cue a mad scramble to get ready earlier, not so big a deal for me as I’d been up early, moving things out of the way of the workers, but women do take longer over their toilette! (You’ll get killed for that: Ed).

The chap who’d turned up to fit the windows was relaxed about the muddle and retreated to his van for another brew until we were ready. Not that the work started immediately. It turns out his family are from the same West Yorkshire village Dawn’s parents grew up in – Marsden. Not only that, but Dee’s mum knew his family and used to take one of his Uncles to school! So, as you can imagine, some reminiscing went on – especially when Dee’s mum rang and was put on speakerphone…

All our upstairs windows were being replaced, including the one in my office so I was exiled downstairs to share the living room with Dawn whilst Andrew and his oppo worked away in the bedroom, bathroom and office. Talk about a bad day to have new windows put in. Our run of crap weather continued with rain and drizzle hanging around for much of the day. Then, late morning, the gales arrived and stayed with us all day. Upstairs was like a wind-tunnel and downstairs wasn’t much better as the guys had to constantly traipse through the house. Conditions weren’t much fun for them either. Whilst I kept everyone topped up with tea, coffee and biscuits Dee decided that lunchtime meant it was egg and bacon teacakes* all round. Her culinary efforts in the kitchen were certainly appreciated by all. After all, none of us are Tories so we really were all in this together!

The guys finished around 16:00 which gave me time to do some clearing up whilst Dawn continued working, after which we swapped roles so I could get back into the office to do some of the stuff I couldn’t with just a laptop perched on the edge of a settee. I’m loving my new office window. The old three panel one’s been replaced by a single pane which is letting in a lot more light. It’s also obstruction free for when I want to take pictures of the birds hanging off the feeders or foraging on the plants and rocks on the terrace. There feels to be a noticeable drop in draughts too – although that could be wishful thinking at this point. Time will tell.

Right, time to call it a day and leave you with a picture rather than get into some spleen-venting over today’s latest Tory lies around the autumn statement. I’ve a fun day tomorrow so that can wait. Here’s another picture from yesterday’s travels.

The number of signalboxes on the UKs railways is dwindling at a steady rate. Slow modernisation of signalling systems which concentrates control in just a handful of Regional Operating Centres (ROCs) is sounding the death-knell of local boxes, especially the old mechanical ones. Only a handful survive, but one that does – despite the line having been electrified and resignalled in recent years is the old LMS box at St Helens Central. Admittedly, it’s changed a bit. Here’s two pictures to illustrate the difference. The first was taken yesterday, the second was taken 32 years ago in 1991.

The box seen on the 17th June 1991 when there were still active Civil Engineers sidings in the old goods yard behind the box. Nowadays the tracks are still there but overgrown by the trees you see in yesterday’s shot.

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

20th November picture of the day…

20 Monday Nov 2023

Posted by Paul Bigland in Musings, Northern Rail, Photography, Picture of the day, Railways, Travel

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Musings, Northern Rail, Photography, Picture of the day, Railways

All change! Well, apart from the weather which has remained damp and miserable as ever! I was looking forward to a week where I could stretch my legs but events have somewhat conspired against me, but the reasons aren’t bad.

Having spent a few hours confined to the office this morning I decided to fly the coop and enjoy some scenery. After picking up some stiff from her Huddersfield office Dawn had arranged to meet her parents to check out the venue and arrangements for their diamond wedding anniversary, so I tagged along for the ride and to cast a photographer’s eye over the room. All went well, after which the two of returned to the homestead and grindstone – only to get a phone call from a firm we’ve commissioned to fit some new windows to the cottage. They’re ready and can go in on Wednesday – but Dee won’t be here – so that’s my day arranged! I must admit, I’m rather looking forward to my new office window as the increase of glass compared to frame will let a lot more light in and aid me getting pictures of the birds that are a regular feature on the feeder on the other side of the glass. Only I have to strip out stuff from several rooms before they arrive. Never mind – the results will be worth it and should make a difference to how warm the cottage is this winter, as well as the bills in keeping it that way.

All this aside, I’m hoping to sneak out for a few hours tomorrow. For once the forecast is good. I’ve a Zoom judging session but that should only last an hour in the morning and can be done elsewhere as long as I have a decent wifi connection. Let’s see what happens…

The reason I want to get out – apart from the fact the weather will be good and I’m fed up being cooped up – is that another old train fleet is about to disappear from the December 10th timetable change. Northern is dispensing of its fleet of ex-BR Class 319 electric trains. They’re old friends of mine as I remember them being introduced on ‘Thameslink’ service in London and the South-East back in 1987-88 when I was living in London. I was a regular user of the trains for decades and was surprised when they followed me back up North after they were displaced on Thameslink services by the new Class 700s in the mid 2010s. Now their times up and they’re off for scrap. Only 15 units remain with Northern. Based at Allerton in Liverpool, they mostly work services between Liverpool, Wigan, Preston and Blackpool North with the odd diagram taking them to Manchester.

So, today’s picture is one of those trains which has just been towed to Newport, South Wales for scrap this very day, having left Allerton depot (Liverpool) this morning on its final journey.

Wearing the old Northern electrics livery, 319375 is seen at Manchester Piccadilly on the 1st November 2016.

I’ll be getting together a picture blog of these units during their time in the North-West before they go. In the meantime, you can find various shots of them with the previous Northern franchise here and the current management contract operator here.

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

Rolling blog.Conference time…

13 Monday Nov 2023

Posted by Paul Bigland in Community rail, Community Rail Network, Nottingham, Railways, Rolling blogs, Travel

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Community rail, Community Rail Network, Nottingham, Photography, Railways, Rolling blogs

10:20

This morning the pair of us head to Nottingham for the annual Community Rail Network conference. Today and tomorrow station friends, Community Rail officers, rail staff and others will congregate to listen to updates on the world of community rail, share best practice and network.

Thankfully, although we’re in the midst of storm Debi, last night’s winds and todays heavy showers haven’t caused any disruption to our travel plans. We’ll be heading to the station shortly to begin our trip South. Let’s see how things go…

12:00.

We’re on our way to Leeds on Northern’s late running 11:37 from Halifax. Railhead conditions can’t be good as the latest storm’s brought down tons of leaves overnight.

I’m being kept entertained by following the latest political farce following the sacking of Home Secretary Cruella Braverman.

I mean – who on earth saw former PM and MP David Cameron returning to government as Foreign Secretary! The man whose biggest political failure was in the area of foreign policy. The man who called the Brexit referendum to appease warring Tory factions and ended up dragging us out of the EU, leaving us an international laughing stock to precipitate another 8 years of Tory fueding that’s dragged the country down even further!

What on earth was Sunak thinking? What’s the Tory party thinking? There’s 350 Tory MPs and Sunak’s just admitted not a single one of them is fit for elevation to high office! I bet that’s rankling on the back benches! And there was the Brexiters complaining that we were governed by ‘unelected bureaucrats’! Who’s elected Cameron?

13:20.

Leeds was fun for all the wrong reasons – bar this one. One of TPE’s class 68s working a Manchester – Scarborough service with just weeks left to run.

When I’d checked before leaving home this morning everything was running well with just a few delays due to railhead conditions. Things had changed when we arrived at Leeds to catch our train to Nottingham. A landslip towards York, overhead wire damage near Wakefield and a broken rail in the Aire valley were causing many delays and cancellations. Thankfully, our 13:08 was running and left on time – albeit it’s a 2-car, which is ‘cosy’…

16:10.

And relax! Well, for a few minutes anyway. We’ve made it to Nottingham, with our little 2-car picking up various members of the community railway family on the way. The weather improved as we passed through the storm front which was travelling in the opposite direction to us. It’s actually a balmy 13 degrees here in the city centre – hardly what you’d expect. Our first stop was to admire the work going on outside the stations where East Midland Railway’s community rail team have arranged for a new street-art mural which is being spray painted over the next few days by artists from ‘Image Skool‘. Completion date and unveiling is planned for Friday.

Having elected to walk to the hotel we’re now unpacking at the Crowne Plaza hotel before the staff briefing and preparing to meet and greet the bulk of the delegates who’re still in transit. Later there’s a drinks reception and buffet supper when delegates will discuss and decide on what topics they want to see the conference cover tomorrow.

Here’s a few shots from the reception, after which a couple of groups headed off to explore some of the local hostelries to sample local real ales…

Members of the Penistone line partnership, including Chair Neil Bentley (left) at the reception.

Michel Lintermans from Cooperatie Stationspark Deurne in the Netherlands, a regular entrant to the Community Rail awards.

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

Rolling blog. Getting away from it all…

31 Tuesday Oct 2023

Posted by Paul Bigland in Musings, Photography, Travel

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Musings, Photography, Travel

11:35.

After a busy few days (and with more to come) it’s time for a break. As part of my birthday bash my wonderful wife Dawn has arranged for the pair of us to have a luxury night away in the lake district. We’re in no rush to get there, the weather’s hardly conducive to long walks in the countryside – we can’t even see the other side of the valley through the rain and murk here, but that’s not the point of the trip. It’s chance for the pair of us to have some quality time together in lovely surroundings. Let’s see how the trip goes…

14:50.

We’re on our way cross-country via Skipton and Hellifield. Here’s the rush-hour and sunshine at Clapham. No, not that one – the other one!

16:00.

We’ve arrived at the Wild Boar – which is rather special…

Did I mention it has its own microbrewery?

Our room’s not too shabby either. Dawn’s done a fabulous job in finding this place.

18:15.

Wow! What a lovely place and way to relax. We’ve spent the past couple of hours sat downstairs by the real fire in the bar area having a drink, chatting and watching the residents go by. Now it’s time to dress for dinner. Not too dressy mind – most of the hotel guests are like us and normally wearing walking gear.

21:30.

We’re both stuffed after eating a meatfest in the restaurant. Dawn had the Venison and I had the Mallard. Both were gorgeous, and not something we’d cook at home hence us ordering them. The irony? The dish we both enjoyed the most was a side dish – roasted Butternut squash with pickled Walnuts!

Mallard with some interesting (but light) sides.

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

Rolling blog. A bridge too far…

30 Monday Oct 2023

Posted by Paul Bigland in Hs2, Photography, Rolling blogs, Travel

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Hs2, Photography, Railways, Rolling blogs, Travel

06:45.

It’s early but I’m on the rails again. This time heading to Aylesbury from Central London in order to (hopefully) record the first beams of the deck of the new HS2 viaduct being lifted into place. I’ll blog throughout the day when I can. For now, I’ll let this picture do the talking!

08:05.

The job’s been pushed back a couple of hours so I’ve had time to take a trip out to Princes Risborough and back on the first day of the line reopening after the recent blockade.

17:00.

S’cuse the huge gap here, but that’s due to being very busy and also being knackered. Today’s been another fascinating day learning about and seeing modern construction techniques that are making HS2 such a green railway. Forget the absolute dross you hear from ani HS2 protesters, Nimbys and a former BBC Environment Correspondent who’re still chucking out a decade and more old table top calculation, this is the real world and real construction where the UKs’ importing skills from abroad and people who’ve been doing this for years. The old methods went out of the window years ago.

The site I’ve been visiting is that of the Thame viaduct. It’s nowhere near as grand as the iconic Colne Valley viaduct as it’s low-lying (3.3 meters high) and only 880 meters long as its designed to cross a floodplain – and today was an ideal time to see that floodplain in action! The reason for today’s visit was that the girders that form the deck of the bridge have started to be lifted into place and a few of us were invited along to watch the operation.

I’m currently heading back to Yorkshire from Kings Cross after returning to London, so I’ll be adding a few pictures shortly. Bear with me!

17:30.

Here’s some pics from the day.

The cranes are prepped, ready to lift the 4th girder into place.

The lorry arrives with the girder. This is a fine example of how HS2 is spreading wealth around the UK. The crane on the left is on hire from a company in Inverness, Scotland. The HGV bringing the girder in us from a company in Richmond, North Yorkshire, whilst the company manufacturing the girders and pillars is based on the Isle of Grain. Kent.

Two girders which have already been installed sitting on their prefabricated piers.

The girder is slowly, gently swung into place before being lowered onto the bearings.

Gently does it. The girder inches down onto the bearings and a jack which will be used for the final (vertical) alignment.

Here’s what you don’t see. This is the piling for pier 18, inside the coffer dam constructed to keep the flood plain water at bay. Each of these piles is 45 meters deep.

A prefabricated pier that’s already been assembled, waiting for the girders to arrive. The flooded fields in the background give away why this bridge is needed, even though it’s only 3.3 meters in height it’s 880m length bridges the area.

18:30.

We’ve just left Doncaster and I’m looking forward to getting home. It’s been a long day…

20:20.

Right, I’m home and uploading a few camera pictures of the Thame valley viaduct for your delectation. When I have time I’ll add some more technical details. But for now, this is me signing off!

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

	alasdairmaccaluim on Going up the ‘pool*. (wi…
	Paul Bigland on Going up the ‘pool*. (wi…
	Alan Marshall on Going up the ‘pool*. (wi…
	Paul Bigland on Political news and views from…
	Charles Esteppé on Political news and views from…

Paul Bigland

~ Blogging on transport, travel & whatever takes my fancy.

Category Archives: Travel

Rolling blog. Here we go again…

Rolling blog. Carousing and carolling…

Rolling blog. Working overtime…

Rolling blog. I’m back – with another HS2 visit…

Rolling blog. Anyone for tennis (elbow)?…

22nd November picture(s) of the day…

20th November picture of the day…

Rolling blog.Conference time…

Rolling blog. Getting away from it all…

Rolling blog. A bridge too far…