Tag Archives: Rolling blogs

Rolling blog. A day out in London…

13 Friday Jun 2025

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

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08:00.

It’s time for a day out in the metropolis, catching up with old friends and updating library shots of the capital’s railways. Right now I’m at Halifax station waiting for Grand Central’s 08:11 service to King’s Cross. I’ll be blogging throughout the day so feel free to pop back and see what I get up to…

08:30.

I’m now heading South (well, East right now) aboard one of Grand Central’s old Class 180 ‘Coradia’ diesel units built by Alstom back at the beginning of privatisation. These 5-car, 125mph cast offs from First Great Western have been the backbone of GCs West Riding services since it began in May 2010. They’re comfortable, if not always reliable and will be replaced in a few years time by a new fleet of nine brand new tri-modes built by Hitachi which are due to enter service in 2028.

180102 arrives at Halifax from Bradford, past the old flour mills that are now part of the confectionary plant which produces ‘Quality Street’ and ‘after eight’ mints. The abandoned signalbox is on the left, where the line once diverged through Halifax to Queensbury.
Today’s mobile office. ‘Coradia’ saloons have always been rated for passenger comfort, either these Class 180s or their sisters, the Class 175s.

Our meander through West Yorkshires backwaters enables me to check out some of the work on the Trans-Pennine Route upgrade (TRU). The most significant change I’ve seen so far has been at Mirfield where the steelwork for the new footbridge from the carpark to the island platform has been installed. I can see that I need another trip out along the route as TRU work is really starting to gather speed. Another major change although slightly off route are the preparations for the reopening of the old Healey Mills yard, where a fan of sidings have been relaid in order to be used for engineers trains – although nothing has appeared yet.

09:05.

We’re now out in the wilds on our way to ‘Pontycarlo’ (as Pontefract is disparagingly known) having left Wakefield Kirkgate, a station which Grand Central has invested substantial sums in. As we left we passed a pair of new stabling sidings and staff accommodation which was installed by DB a few years ago but never really used. The tracks are rusty, not having seen trains for quite some time.

My trip’s been enlivened by meeting an old friend. Javid, the Train Manager is one of the original Grand Central staff who’s been with the company since the West Riding service started. It’s been lovely to catch up with him and swap news. Many of the ‘old guard’ have moved on, with several of the people I knew having moved up grades to become train drivers, either with GC or other companies like Northern. Apparently, GC are expecting to hear news about their application for a fifth Bradford – London path this afternoon. I hope they succeed.

09:20.

Having stopped at Ponty (where hardly anyone got on) we headed on past Knottingley, which was once a major railway depot that serviced the Yorkshire coalfields. The DB depot is a shadow of its former self now (I came here recently) as all the coal traffic has vanished but the shed hosted several locos – more than I’ve seen for a while. Just down the road from here was Britain’s last deep coal mine. Kellingley. It closed a decade ago – something that populist politician Nigel Farage is completely unaware of when he makes impossible promises like the idea he’s going to reopen South Wales Steelworks and coal mines, really? Sadly, he seems to have a ready supply of fools who believe everything and anything he says.

Of course, the curse of right-wing political populism isn’t just restricted to making impossible economic promises. For some time now the right-wing have been portraying London as some rundown multicultural hellhole that no-one in their right mind would want to live in or visit. Nothing to do with the fact it’s voted for a Mayor who just happens to be a Muslim (three times) of course. Here’s an example from Twitter.

As someone who was a Londoner for 25 years (when it really was rough) I can assure you that this is complete bollocks. Part of me has to laugh at English ‘patriots’ who spend so much time disparaging the country they supposedly love. ‘Benonwine’ has history. Like many of these accounts (many of whom aren’t even UK based) they’ve found a way of making money by ‘rage-farming’. Posting incendiary (often racist) stuff on Twitter and other platforms. Only it backfired on Ben. Ben worked for Waitrose in Henley-on-Thames and got found out. So they sacked him! He’s now ‘benonthedole’. Like most of these grifters he appealed for donations to fight his sacking and various dim people contributed. Just like they donate to that arch-grifter and jailbird Stephen Yaxley Lennon (aka Tommy Robinson). The old adage that a fool and their money are easily parted is never more in evidence than when it comes to the far-right. These people have tapped a rich seam of mugs to dumb to realise they’re being used.

So, will I be in fear of my life when I reach London? Give over!

10:15.

A few minutes ago we sped past Grantham (the best way to visit), now we’re almost hitting our maximum speed of 125mph under clear skies – and signals! The lineside is looking fecund right now as crops and trees have benefitted from recent rains. This is Britain at its most picturesque and there’s no better way to admire it then through the window of a train.

11:45.

I’ve arrived in London and met up with the first member of our merry gang. We’ve not been mugged or stabbed yet, much to ‘Benonwine’ disappointment…

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. Out and about…

04 Wednesday Jun 2025

Posted by in Photography, Politics, Railways, Rolling blogs, Transport, Uncategorized, West Yorkshire

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10:25.

Today’s the only dry and sunny day we’re going to have in the Pennines this week, so I’m off out with the camera. It’s rather appropriate as today the Government have announced massive investment in public transport across the region, including funding for the long hoped for Leeds tram network – amongst other things (more of which later).

Right now I’ve made it to Bradford – which will eventually be on the end of the tram line from Leeds. I’m at Bradford Forster Square heading for Shipley where I’ll take a break to update a few pictures.

12:00.

I’m still at Shipley, the UK’s last remaining triangular station. The reason being, it’s proved to be rather busy. From the May timetable change, LNER began running regular services to Bradford Forster Square, which has added more variety. Plus, charter company West Coast railways  had a Carnforth to Great Yarmouth ‘Northern Belle’ dining train scheduled, which was worth hanging around for. Having had time to mooch around meant I noticed a few other things, like this.

A SPAD (Signal Passed At Danger) repeater. Easily identified by their blue hoods, these signals were once common at locations where drivers were likely to overshoot signals. Most have disappeared.

How’s this for a vintage survivor? Regional Railways Noth East ceased to exist back in the 1990s!

A train from Bradford Forster Square to Skipton calls at platform 5 at Shipley. Whilst the other sides of the triangle are double track, this is nowadays a single line as the opposite track and platform were abandoned in the 1980s.
Former Virgin ‘Thunderbird’ 57314, now named ‘Conwy Castle’ hauls empty stock from Carnforth to Great Yarmouth through Shipley.

13:35.

Having made it to Leeds I’m taking a break to do some admin work whilst considering my next options – which are a little restricted due to Trans-Pennine Route upgrade ‘bustitutions’ and the fact some of the things I’d hoped to photograph haven’t happened. On the plus side, I did find this opportunity as soon as I arrived.

Former Colas but now operated by GBRf, 60047 waits for the road at Leeds whilst working an empty stone train from Hull Dairycoates to Rylstone.

16:00.

I’ve decided to curtail my travels and channel my inner-child by becoming a platform-ender at Leeds. Since I’ve lived in this neck of the woods I’ve explored all the rail lines across Yorkshire, so there’s little for me to discover. Plus, the weather hasn’t quite worked out the way I’d hoped. Instead, I’m going to enjoy a few hours watching the world go by at Yorkshire’s premier railway station (cue squeals of outrage from York). Mind you, half the fun of being here is watching people as much as trains..

I was lucky enough to capture the first of the two Class 150 variants passing each other earlier – whilst a modern Hitachi train looks on. These BR built units are reaching the end of their lives and the process of replacing them has begun.

18:45.

Homeward bound. Well, via Bradford and a stroll twixt Forster Square and Interchange! I had intended to post a few mire pictures from Leeds, but the station wifi decided not to play ball. I’ll add them when I get home. Right now, I’m aboard one of the unique bubble-fronted Class 332s built by Siemens/CAF that you can only find working the Leeds/Bradford/Ilkley/Skipton circuit. Their Class 333 cousins used to work Heathrow Express services from Paddington, but they met their end several years ago. My train’s well  patronised, but then, as it’s the first post-peak fare service that’s hardly surprising.

My train and a sister unit at Forster Square.

19:40.

I arrived at Forster Square just in time to negotiate my way through the ranks of the city’s homeless and poor who were queuing up for hot drinks and second hand clothes that were being distributed by local charities. There’s a lot of money being invested in the cities infrastructure and transport, but decades of poverty, homelessness, and lack of opportunity are not so easy a nut to crack.

Now I’m aboard my last train of the day – a Class 150/2 working the Bradford – Huddersfield shuttle.

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. Birmingham (the long way round)…

08 Thursday May 2025

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

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11:45.

It’s time to head to Preston to meet up with an old friend, although his journey is proving to be ‘interesting’ due to problems on the West Coast Main Line (WCML) – hardly a rare occurrence. Apparently, an Avanti Pendolino has hir an obstruction in the four-foot near Grayrigg (a name infamous in railway history) and become disabled. Needless to say, this is causing fun on the two-track railway North of Preston.

Fortunately, my train doesn’t reach the WCML until just before Preston, so doesn’t seem to be affected. Time will tell…

Today’s a good day not to be working from home as we’re shifting our internet provider. I’ve been with Virgin for over 20 years (and can’t fault their broadband, but their prices have got silly. Despite my loyalty it’s not been possible to get s decent deal. Dawn took over dealing with the account and did a sterling job, but Virgin’s attitude was ‘take it or leave it’. So we left. Dee found us an excellent deal with Sky which is saving us over £50 a month, so switching has been a no-brainer. The switch-over happens this afternoon. I do feel a bit guilty for not being there, but I know Dawn won’t take any messing!

Right now I’m on my way to Preston aboard Northern’s 11:30 service to Blackpool North. It’s a half-full train where I have the luxury of a table seat, power-sockets and wifi, so I’m not complaining.

12:30.

Almost there on what’s been a very pleasant journey. Unusually, the train emptied out en-route, the sun’s put in an appearance and all’s well with the world. Well, for me anyway. Next stop – Preston.

19:45.

Where did the time go? I got to Preston only to find my meet-up with a friend was far more convivial and much more of a trip down memory lane than I’d expected. It turned out that Jon had also invited a lot of old friends from his British Railways (and Virgin) days. As you can imagine, the stories flowed, as did the memories as those of us who hadn’t seen each other for a while caught up. Here’s the gang in a classic old pub, the Black Horse. It’s not my photo by the way (the barmaid took it) which is why I’m in it for once!

Now I’m in Birmingham. A few of us caught the same Pendolino South, bailing out en-route so leaving me the sole member of the group by the train hit Birmingham.

Having delivered me from Preston, Pendolino 390002 waits time at Birmingham New St before heading for London Euston.

Now I’m relaxing and updating this blog from my hotel – which is another trip down memory lane. I’m staying in the Britannia Inns hotel in New St, just a stones-throw from the station. I’ve known this place of old as it was always a cheap and cheerful option when I was working in the area. It’s being refurbished and upgraded but the prices are still very reasonable. It’s not somewhere you’d come and stay for a romantic weekend – but it’s ideal for what I need.

Having checked in to my hotel and rested I’ll be nipping out shortly to get a few pictures, so expect another update later…

22:45

The last update. I’d intending doing a lot but happy circumstance meant that I pumped into an old train-driver friend outside Birmingham New Street which literally stopped me in my tracks. Danielle and I ended up chatting for ages. By the time we’d finished catching-up and had to part my plans were out of the window. But that’s been no bad thing as today’s been more about people than anything else. Still, here’s a Birmingham tram to end the day.

Now I’ve got to go as I have to be up at silly ‘o clock in the morning for a rather different day…

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. Mooching around Manchester…

01 Thursday May 2025

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

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09:30.

Hi folks – I’m back! I’ve still got a lot of blogs to post from our recent trip to Shropshire which I’ll do as soon as possible, but today I offer a rolling blog as I’m off for a mooch around Manchester. This past week has seen some lovely sunny weather and warm temperatures. Today there’s not a cloud in the sky, so it’s my chance to make the most of the conditions by getting out with the camera. I’m currently on Northern’s 09:22 from Sowerby Bridge. As you’d expect, my 4-car train is busy with day-trippers doing the same as me – making the most of the weather! But, I’ve managed to find space on a table, set up the mobile office and type this.

Expect further updates throughout the day…

10:20.

My first stop across the Pennines was Rochdale. It’s a place full of history, from famous (and infamous people) to interesting architecture. The famous include entertainers like Gracie Fields and Lisa Stansfield. The infamous are on the political spectrum – Cyril Smith and ‘Gorgeous’ George Galloway, both former MPs, although Galloway (predictably) lasted a matter of months. Outside the station where electric trams and buses now whizz by, pollution-free and near silent – are two contrasting architectual styles. A Christian church that wouldn’t look out of place in Greece and a former fire station that (due to its Indo-Saracenic style tower) could quite easily fit into New Delhi!

Greece meets India!

Now I’m on the move again, this time aboard an old Northern Class 156 bound for Headbolt Lane on Merseyside. Well, the train is. I’m not!

11:00.

I changed trains again at Salford Central, a station that’s spent most of 2025 closed as it’s being rebuilt with new platform and subway canopies (pictures later). Both the station and area have changed out of all recognition these past 20 years. At least now, the station’s keeping up with it’s surrounds.  I left abroad my third class of train of the day – a Clitheroe bound Class 150. First stop was Salford Crescent, which I’ll describe on my return. My train filled up with several groups of young women, which made me think the station should be subtitled ‘lip-filler’ central! If this train comes yo a sudden stop, there’s going to be a lot of women stuck to window like rubber suckers! I appreciate that beauty is subjective (feminine beauty doubly so) and that U’m from a different generation, but I struggle to understand what’s attractive about making your mouth look like a prolapsed arse.

Anyway, most of the Donald Duck appreciation society left the train at the next stop – as did I. I’m now at Bolton.

11:50

I didn’t linger in Bolton, staying just long enough to grab a few pictures between trains. The stations’ massive platforms are a legacy of 1904 when it was rebuilt to cope with trains carrying 1000s of millworkers to the seaside during the annual ‘Wakes weeks’ they drown modern trains, even 5 cars. Sadly, timekeeping has gone out of the window here, and I suspect one member of traincrew is going to be issued with a ‘please explain’…

Oops!

Right now, I’m aboard an old friend – a former Thameslink class 319 EMU, which Porterbrook converted to a bi-mode Class 769. This will carry me along the newly electrified line from Lostock to Wigan.

14:00.

The ‘Oops’ factor has spread! After having a pleasant interlude taking pictures and basking in the sun at Wigan North Western station, I’ve returned to Wallgate to head back to Manchester, but it’s all going a bit ‘Pete Tong’. An earlier train failure (door issues) means the timetable’s a work of fiction at this point. A series of trains are running from Wallgate to Manchester Victoria non-stop in order to get trains and crew where they need to be – but I’m heading for Hindley…

17:00.

I’ve moved on a bit! My stop at Hindley was brief- just long enough to grab pictures of the station now that the overhead wires are complete. This gas involved cutting back a lot of trees. Work that’s opened out the fabulous station garden built up over so many years by the station friends group. Of course, the friends of Hindley station do so much more than gardening, which is why they’re always in the top three at the Community Rail Awards.

Network Rail’s new (not terribly aesthetic) contributions to the Hindley station gardens!

Moving on, I caught another bi-mode 769 to Salford Crescent, where I stopped to admire the work on installing the station’s 3rd platform – which is coming on apace.

Now, after spending some time getting pictures at Piccadilly, I’ve made it out to Hyde, where I’m hoping to have a drink with a few other railway friends…

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. Off to Shropshire…

22 Tuesday Apr 2025

Posted by in Photography, Rolling blogs, Shropshire, Travel

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11:10.

We’re currently putting the finishing touches to our packing before heading off to Church Stretton in Shropshire which will be our new home for the next four nights. It’s an area I know well and one that we’ve explored before – but a town the two of us haven’t actually stayed in previously. Shropshire is a underrated and undiscovered county by many, which makes it more enjoyable as it’s not rammed with tourists, yet it has some fantastic walking, picturesque towns and historic sites.

I’ll blog (on and off) through the day so feel free to pop back to see how the day unfolds. Here’s a view of Church Stretton taken from the Long Mynd during our previous visit in 2021.

16:30.

Arrived!

It took just over two and a half hours to drive here via the M62, M6, and M54, then across country following the A49 for most of the way. The motorways (especially the M62) were mad. Traffic was heavy, and the standards of driving appalling. Undertaking was endemic and indicating an optional extra. At one point, some daft woman driving a mini threw a length of toilet roll out of her window, which stuck to the front of our car! Thankfully, the A49 was a lot calmer.

Right now we’re settling into our accommodation, which is gorgeous.

20:20.

We’ve returned to Bigland Towers in exile after spending the afternoon exploring Church Stretton town centre – which wasn’t hard as most of it had already shut for the day at 5pm! That didn’t stop us window shopping or admiring the architectural variety of the town, with buildings from the Tudor, Victorian and Edwardian era much in evidence. There’s some real gems too. On a more modern note, the town boasts a large and well provisioned Co-op where we managed to pick up the supplies we needed, after which we popped into the oldest pub in town, the Kings Arms – which dates back to 1593. This gem of a pub serves beers from Joule’s, a brewery based in Market Drayton and one I’d not encountered before.

Whilst quaffing an IPA (or in Dawn’s case an alcohol free lager) the pair of us planned the next few days adventures and explorations around the area which will be a mix of exploring market towns and countryside – with plenty of walking thrown in.

Here’s a few pictures from our stroll.

The pub’s been tastefully refurbished in recent years, keeping the original features whilst adding sympathetic new touches.

Tomorrow we’ll wake up to this view from out living room window which looks out across town to the Long Mynd.

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. More Yorkshire explorations…

17 Thursday Apr 2025

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

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09:00.

I’ve had a busy time at home these past few days (hence a lack of blogging) but today we have lost of sunshine in ‘God’s own country’, so I’m going to get out and about on the rails across West Yorkshire in order to make the most of the weather. I’ll be blogging throughout the day, so feel free to pop back and see what I get up to. But first, it’s time to pack the camera bag and head off to Halifax station…

1050.

I’ve made it as far as Shipley. Having walked into Halifax I arrived just in time to walk straight onto a Blackpool – York service which was rammed, despite it being operated by a 3-car Class 195. Mind you, the amount of buggies and double buggies getting off and on along the narrow platform didn’t exactly help matters.

Standing as far as Bradford Interchange where I disembarked, wasn’t too big a deal. I’ve not traversed the city centre for a while so I was pleasantly surprised at the way it’s being pedestrianised.

The greatly improved space outside Interchange station..
The busy roads that used to cut off Interchange from the rest of the city centre have been done away with, opening up the area outside the fantastic Town Hall.

Another change is over at Forster Square Station, where the arches that provided refuge to many homeless people and their tents have been blocked off. I hope the people displaced have been found permanent accommodation and not just displaced

Hiding a real problem with artwork?

The station’s new fourth platform is now complete and waiting to enter service from the new timetable.

12:30.

I spent some time exploring Shipley to check on the progress of the new Shipley depot which is being built on the site of the old Crossley Evans scrapyard site (which took over the former railway goods yard). Progress is slow as there was a lot of clearance work needed. Now groundworks have started whilst site clearance continues. Rather ironically, Northern are gaining this new depot due to the Trans-Pennine Route Upgrade (which is funding it) as the TRU work around Leeds will severely hamper Northern operations at the Leeds Neville Hill depot. Here’s some pictures of progress.

Looking across the main part of the depot nearest the station seen from the Valley Rd (A6037) bridge which bisects the site.
The site seen from nearer Bradford, taken from a footbridge. Warning! This area is rough – even the XL Bully’s walk around in twos!
Looking back across the site from the rubbish-strewn footpath that leads from Otley Rd to the station. I explore all these insalubrious places so that you don’t have to!

Right now I’m taking a quick break in Leeds before heading towards Huddersfield to check on TRU work…

17:30.

I’m back in Leeds after having visited Morley, Mirfield, Huddersfield and Dewsbury. I’d not traversed the line from Leeds to Morley for sometime so I was surprised to see how far electrification has progressed (just don’t talk about White Rose station). Bailing out at Morely I headed up to a footbridge I know that’s East of the station to get this shot.

The footbridge replaces a foot crossing which has a tragic history. That history is recognised by Network Rail who’ve named their access point in remembrance.

Here’s the tragic story of Natasha Elliott.

Next stop was Mirfield where the rebuilt station’s coming on great guns. Here’s the new station entrance under construction.

Meanwhile, in Huddersfield, the restoration of the station roof is starting to see the light of day…

19:10.

Home time. I spent time in Leeds getting a variety of library shots but the day’s moving on and so am I. I’m on a train from Leeds to Chester which has just left Bradford (or Bratfud, as they say in these parts). Clouds are rolling in, heralding the fact tomorrow’s meant to be another wet day – although wet is very subjective as all we’ve seen this week has been drizzle at best.

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. Guildford Gambol…

09 Wednesday Apr 2025

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

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12:50.

Whilst Dawn has taken her niece and nephew out for lunch I’m opting for another day exploring the railways and countryside around Guildford. We still have a lot of sunshine in this neck of the woods although it’s tempered with intermittent cloud and a wind that makes the weather feel positively Baltic when you’re caught out in it – which I have been. After catching a train from Farnham my first stop was a footbridge North of the station which affords great views across the three rail lines converging on the station. Thankfully it also provides some shelter from the wind!

Here’s a few sample shots.

The venerable Class 455s still work many Guildford – Waterloo services via Effingham Jn.
I didn’t expect to see one of these at Guildford. The Alstom built Class 458s have had a chequered history, having been rebuilt twice since they were introduced. Normally they can be found on Waterloo-Reading services.
The first of the Class 444s (001) arrives via the direct line from Woking with a Waterloo-Portsmouth Harbour service.
Whilst Guildford is very much SWR territory, GWR run a half-hourly service from Reading to Gatwick airport. Here’s a train bound for the airport arriving.

OK, now it’s time to explore more…

16:15.

I’m back in Guildford after a gorgeous walk Southwards along the river Wey to Shalford. I’ll add more detail soon, but right now – here’s a few pictures.

The river Wey and Guildford rowing club who were making the most of the weather.
A world War Two pill box guarding the West bank of the River Wey. It was only when I wandered further down this footpath that I realised it was an old railway. Shalford Junction used to be a triangle, and this was the Southern side. I’ve no idea when it closed – other than before 1939, obviously!

A pair of Class 450 Desiros head down the main line at Shalford Junction with the line to Dorking and Redhill in the middle distance.

GWR’s 165106 approaches Shalford whilst working a service from Reading to Gatwick Airport.
On my return to Guildford I returned to the footbridge I was at earlier because the light had moved round into a position I don’t normally see as I’m only here in the morning. Here’s 444033 leading 444028 on 2P56, the 1558 from Fareham to London Waterloo.

21:00.

I’m now back in Tilford after a lovely day where I got to explore an area I’d not visited before and one that threw up some great photo opportunities thanks to the weather. Tomorrow our Surrey sojourn ends as the pair of us return to West Yorkshire, but we’ll be back…

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: A day out with HS2…

08 Tuesday Apr 2025

Posted by in Hs2, London, Photography, Railways, Rolling blogs, Travel

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07:30.

I’m not used to this anymore! I was rudely awoken by the alarm which I’d set for 06:30 – not something I’ve had to do for a while. The reson for getting up at such an hour is I need to get into Farnham to catch a train into London before heading North to Rickmansworth, ready for an HS2 railways site visit (more of which later). Darkest Tilford isn’t the easiest place to get to/from but Dawn’s kindly offered to give me a lift to the station. I’ll blog and post pictures throughout the journey and explain more about what it is I’ve been invited to see later…

08:15.

I’ve made it as far as Farnham on what’s a beautiful morning – but bloody chilly! The fields surround Tilford are coated in frost, which makes for a lovely vista. I’ve I wasn’t travelling I’d have been tempted to wander with the camera locally. As it is I’m now waiting for the 08:34 to take me to Guildford. Farnham station’s busy with commuters such as these who catching a direct service into the capital as I arrived.

08:45.

I’m now on the first train of the day, a virtually empty 4-car Desiro. It’s quiet as the set has just come empty out of the sidings where it reversed after working in from Guildford. Plus, a London direct train   runs ahead of it by just a few minutes.

Just 3 to a car…

09:20.

My plan to get a few quick pics at Guidford fell by the wayside when I ended up in conversation about railways with the Conductor of my train as he was intrigued as to how and why I was going to Rickmansworth (he’d noticed my ticket destination earlier). I nearly missed my connection as a result! Fortunately, the Waterloo train left from the adjacent platform. The 5-car Class 444 that formed it was already very busy, leaving few seats available to Guildford passengers. Apparently, vandalism at Portsmouth was causing delays and cancellations on our route, so I was probably lucky my train was on time.

Right now we’re speeding along the South-western main line, non-stop from Woking to Waterloo.

10:00.

After grabbing a few quick shots at Waterloo, I headed for the underground and a trip on the Bakerloo line, which has the oldest trains on the network. They should have been replaced years ago, but Transport for London has been strapped for cash, so these 40 odd year old trains soldier on, unloved and unkempt. They’re in a right old state inside and out. Riding the line’s reminiscent of the New York subway in the bad old days.

14:30.

I’m here at the HS2 Chiltern tunnel South portal where the porous portals that prevent sonic booms have bern completed.   They’re fascinating examples of civil engineering problem-solving – and an interesting optical illusion.

Inside the Southbound tunnel.
The portal itself.
Looking down on the Northbound portal. The air pressure holes and taper of the porous portal are more obvious.

18:15.

That was a really interesting day. Having the opportunity to talk to the engineers (male and female) who are responsible for designing and executing these major projects is a real privilege.

Having been deposited back at Rickmansworth station, I retraced my route back to London, stopping off on the way to get a few pictures at various stations along the line to Baker St.

Metropolitan line S stock in the turnback siding North of Harrow-on-the-Hill station.
Jubilee line trains pass at Finchley Rd.

Back at Waterloo I made time to check out the Railway Heritage trust exhibition outside the old Eurostar platforms. The trust are showcasing the import work they do helping to restore the UKs railway heritage with grants and advice on restoring station buildings and other items across the network.

I made one last stop at Clapham Junction to make the most of the glorious weather in order to capture images of the old Class 455 trains that are still in daily service despite being well past their sell-by date.

Who’d have thought these old girls would still be the mainstay of SWR suburban services in 2025!
A pair of SWR Desiros pass Clapham and head for Waterloo with London’s ever-changing skyline as a backdrop.

Right now I’m standing in a vestibule on the 18:02 from Clapham to Alton, which is absolutely rammed.

10 cars of human sardines. But I thought everyone worked from home nowadays?

18:30.

Thankfully, a large portion of my fellow passengers left at West Byfleet, which has allowed the rest of us to get seats – and me to charge my phone!

I’m reflecting on the fact today is my first (albeit brief) visit to London in 2025, which seems bizarre as it’s a city I called home for 25 years, but then Asia beckoned earlier this year and I answered the call.

21:10.

Time to bring this blog to a close. I’m back at Chez Platt in Tilford and winding down for the evening. I’ve added several more pictures from today but now Dawn and I are having some quality time together before another busy day tomorrow. See you 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/

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

Rolling blog. Northbound again…

28 Saturday Dec 2024

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10:30.

The Platt family festive southern sojourn is over. I’ve packed the car (fitting everything in was a minor Christmas miracle in itself), and we’ve left the chalet to call at Platt Mansions before beginning the journey North. There’s no room in the car for me so I’ll be heading back from Farnham by train. I’ll be blogging en-route and getting a few pictures as I do – so feel free to pop back later to see what I get up to…

11:40.

After getting a lift from Tilford to Farnham I’ve swopped from the infernal combustion engine to rail and caught the 11:28 to Guildford. There’s still no direct trains to London but that’s OK, I’m in no rush anyway. The weather here’s hardly conducive to photography. In fact, we’ve not seen the sun once since we got down here – just gray skies and fog so my photo opportunities are somewhat limited.

15:07.

Getting into London was interesting due to having to change at Guildford. Apparently, there’s Rugby on at Twickenham today which means the trains were even busier than normal. Clapham Junction was heaving as people changed trains to get to the ground.

Siemens Desiro 450119 arrives at Guildford to carry me and dozens of others to London.

In contrast, the underground’s Northern line from Waterloo to Euston was remarkably quiet. Euston itself soon made up for that. All parts of the station were heaving! Paddington station is closed for the next few days which means 4 GWR trains an hour are running to/from Euston from platforms 15 and 16, along with all the regulars. Plus, nearby St Pancras is shut to East Midlands Railway services, adding to the pressure.

Credit to Network Rail and TOC staff, things are running remarkably smoothly at Euston, despite the influx of bewildered passengers who’re not used to using the station.

I’m now on my way North after getting a few shots of activities at Euston. I’m on a late running Avanti service which is crawling its way North dues to overhead line damage in some unspecified place. We’re still South of Watford Junction and already 16 minutes behind time. What a day for such a problem to crop up…

15:45.

We’ve just left Milton Keynes 28 minutes late after being switched to the slow lines at Bourne End Junction in order to avoid the dewirement at Tring North Junction, which (Sods law) happened this morning. We were put back on the fast lines at Ledburn Junction and soon managed to reach linespeed. Hopefully, we may now be able to make up some time.

16:10.

As expected, we’re gradually pulling back minutes as we speed North through the thickening fog. We’ve left Rugby behind to join the Trent valley route. It’s in conditions like this train drivers really earn their money. 125mph at dusk with added fog is the test of anyone’s concentration, route knowledge – and skill.

16:50.

Our timekeeping went to pot again when we called at Stafford. The station’s far busier than usual as it’s being used to turn around trains in both Northerly and Southerly directions due to the fact Crewe South Junction and the ‘independent’ lines are closed to enable a new signalling system to be commissioned – hence my train having just passed Stone en-route to Crewe via the long way round through Stoke-on-Trent and Kidsgrove.

17:45.

Crewe station was a shadow of its normal self due to the lack of trains – and passengers. Despite this, there was more confusion than you’d expect. Having checked my options on Real Time Trains I knew the best way to get to Manchester was aboard a Transport for Wales train that was running a shuttle service between there and Crewe. The only problem was the information screens were programmed to show it as ’empty to depot’ and neither enquiries with platform staff nor driver provoked a more informed response. However, the sheer weight of people turning up on platform 5 asking where their connection was provoked enough of a response that people were allowed to board. So, here we are, en-route to the rainy city…

19:15.

The last leg…

Whilst Dawn and her parents have beaten me in the car and stopped off in Honley for tapas, I’m still travelling. Well, that said, Dee’s got to get to her mum and dad’s and unpack their kit from car – which (after the way I packed it) may take some time – especially as it includes loads of Xmas prezzies including a dual-drawer air fryer!

Walking across Manchester city centre between Piccadilly and Victoria was entertaining as the place was packed with young people, many of whom seem to have decided to wear clothes in inverse proportion to the weather. It was like Newcastle had been cloned! With the place being so packed and me running late I wasn’t tempted to stop. I headed straight to Victoria and caught the first train heading across the Pennines. Now I’m back in the land where the word ‘No’ has a surplus of Os.

22:00.

Home again – and it’s time to bring the blog to a close with a few extra photos. I’ve added them in the relevant sections. Tomorrow’s going to be a quiet day, catcing up on some work whilst enjoying being at home. But after that…

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. Southbound for Christmas…

23 Monday Dec 2024

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

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12:35.

It’s time to wave goodbye to Bigland Towers for a few days and head South to Surrey to join Dawn and the rest of the Platt family for Christmas. Whilst Dee and her folks drove down I stayed behind with the intention of doing some work but a knee injury put paid to those plans. Instead, I’ve been resting up in the hope my knee will appreciate the inactivity.

Now I’m on the move again, heading from Halifax to Leeds before swinging South to London. Needless to say, trains are very busy. I’m on a delayed service from Chester which was cut back to start from Manchester due to a fatality on the route earlier today.

A message you never want to see…

Sadly, someone’s family are going to be having an awful Christmas and some poor train driver will be left with memories they wished they hadn’t got.

13:15.

So far so good. I’m now on a packed 13:15 to Kings Cross that’s worked by on of LNER’s old warhorses, a Class 91 and Mk4 coach set.

15:15.

Time’s flown. I’ve been busy writing and not noticed the miles getting eaten up. We’re now South of Stevenage but running late, and getting later as we’ve lost our path so got trapped behind a Thameslink service on this two track section of the ECML. The weather here’s very gloomy compared to the sunshine I left behind in Yorkshire! I wonder what it’s like in Surrey? Hopefully the delays won’t impact on my arrival time there.

16:50.

Miracles will never cease – everything’s going to plan – despite hitting London late. As usual at this time of year, the capital’s crawling with people travelling here and there. Dodging families towing kids and suitcases becomes quite a task, especially on the underground. Despite not having lived here for nearly 15 years I still have the knack of negotiating my way through the melee. Having made it to Waterloo on the Northern line there was time to grab a snack before boarding my next train. I’m now on an 8-car SWR service heading for Guildford. The train’s packed but the clientele is mostly single people (no groups) heading home from work. Most are either dozing or staring at smartphones, making it a very solemn journey. The only buzz is the sound of the air-conditioning!

My last sleigh before Christmas. 450075 leads 450066 on a Guildford – Alton service.

19:45.

Journey’s end. Well almost. Dee picked me up from Farnham station, bringing me back to Platt Mansions where the family are preparing food for tonight and planning the next few days festivities, so I’ve been mucking in on kitchen duties. Now, with food almost ready I’ve been able to spend a few minutes downloading pictures to add to this blog.

22:25.

The day’s winding down. We’ve eaten and Dawn’s been busy working her culinary magic to make this gluten free Tiramisu for her nephew, Sam – who has his birthday 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