Archive-2015

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2015
A busy year and my first full one after retiring from my full-time career in education and going part-time into the motor trade. I made a lot of journeys to and from the West Country as I was renovating my late father's house in order to prepare it for sale. As a result, I managed a number of 'stop-offs' on the GWML to capture the scenes before the arrival of the electrification masts. I also did a number of days out with Andy with our big trip of the year being to Scotland via the Sleeper.

Statistics - 71 trips, 1,120 photgraphs, 47.1 GB
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1. New Year's Day on the NLR-01.01.15 A typically grey and gloomy New Year's Day found us out for our traditional trip on the Northampton and Lamport Railway. Having parked the Jaguar on Merry Tom Lane we walked along to the station and enjoyed a bit of haulage behind 47205.
A typically grey and gloomy New Year's Day found us out for our traditional trip on the Northampton and Lamport Railway. Having parked the Jaguar on Merry Tom Lane we walked along to the station and enjoyed a bit of haulage behind 47205.
2. Trip from Wellingborough to Kettering-07.01.15 I took a bike ride from home to Wellingborough and then the train the short distance to Kettering. This move was in order to collect a car and bring it back to Northampton.
I took a bike ride from home to Wellingborough and then the train the short distance to Kettering. This move was in order to collect a car and bring it back to Northampton.
3. Roade Cutting-17.01.15 A brief visit to Roade Cutting whilst my son was at his tennis class.
A brief visit to Roade Cutting whilst my son was at his tennis class.
4. Sunday freight-18.01.15 A beautiful winter Sunday tempted me away from jobs around the home and garden to capture some freight and infrastructure workings. I borrowed the wife's Jaguar to go to nearby Victoria bridge.
A beautiful winter Sunday tempted me away from jobs around the home and garden to capture some freight and infrastructure workings. I borrowed the wife's Jaguar to go to nearby Victoria bridge.
5. 1Z53 footex-20.01.15 I took a little time out of work and borrowed their old van to get a picture of the 1Z53 football excursion passing through Northampton.
I took a little time out of work and borrowed their old van to get a picture of the 1Z53 football excursion passing through Northampton.
6. Chamonix-28, 30 & 31.01.15 Whilst on our annual skiing trip, this year to Chamonix in the French Alps at the foot of Mont Blanc, I still managed some railway action. As well as metre-gauge St Gervais to Vallorcine line operated by SNCF there is also the famous 5.1 km Montenvers Railway rack and pinion railway that takes tourists up to the middle/high mountain areas.
Whilst on our annual skiing trip, this year to Chamonix in the French Alps at the foot of Mont Blanc, I still managed some railway action. As well as metre-gauge St Gervais to Vallorcine line operated by SNCF there is also the famous 5.1 km Montenvers Railway rack and pinion railway that takes tourists up to the middle/high mountain areas.
7. The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express '2'-07.02.15 A truly awful winter morning had meant that I had decided not to go out and see The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express '2'. However, early postings on the internet revealed that rather than being hauled by, as usual, 86259 it was double-headed by two class 47s. So, I dragged myself out of home to Blisworth. Some highly unsatisfactory photographs resulted!
A truly awful winter morning had meant that I had decided not to go out and see The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express '2'. However, early postings on the internet revealed that rather than being hauled by, as usual, 86259 it was double-headed by two class 47s. So, I dragged myself out of home to Blisworth. Some highly unsatisfactory photographs resulted!
8. GWML-17.02.15 Returning from my late father's house in Wiltshire found me passing close to the GWML near Swindon. As it was a lovely winter's afternoon, I took a break to capture some images prior to the scenery being wrecked by the forthcoming electrification. The journey was being undertaken in my recently acquired Saab 9-3 estate, a car that I came to really enjoy driving but one I did not keep for very long.
Returning from my late father's house in Wiltshire found me passing close to the GWML near Swindon. As it was a lovely winter's afternoon, I took a break to capture some images prior to the scenery being wrecked by the forthcoming electrification. The journey was being undertaken in my recently acquired Saab 9-3 estate, a car that I came to really enjoy driving but one I did not keep for very long.
9. Trip to London-25.02.15 A day trip to London with my wife to see the musical Made in Dagenham at the Adelphi Theatre. We travelled down from Northampton to Euston and back.
A day trip to London with my wife to see the musical Made in Dagenham at the Adelphi Theatre. We travelled down from Northampton to Euston and back.
10. GWML-27.02 & 03.03.15 Two visits to the GWML on my way to and returning from my late father's house in Wiltshire. On both days I stopped at two locations between Didcot and Swindon ostensively to capture HSTs in pre-electrification scenery.
Two visits to the GWML on my way to and returning from my late father's house in Wiltshire. On both days I stopped at two locations between Didcot and Swindon ostensively to capture HSTs in pre-electrification scenery.
11. The Flame Train & trip to Birmingham-07. & 08.03.15 Whilst the family were surfacing at home, I popped out to see the passing of the oddly titled Flame Train running from Newcastle to Wembley. Later in the day, we all headed to Birmingham for an overnight stay in order to go to the Yonex badminton finals the following day.
Whilst the family were surfacing at home, I popped out to see the passing of the oddly titled Flame Train running from Newcastle to Wembley. Later in the day, we all headed to Birmingham for an overnight stay in order to go to the Yonex badminton finals the following day.
12. The Cumbrian Coast Express & trip to Birmingham-14.03.15 In what was a repeat of last week's trip to Birmingham, but this time it was just my wife and I. The purpose of our visit this week was to see the 70's band The Stranglers in concert. As with last week though, I also managed to get out first thing to see a railtour, this time to see the Cumbrian Coast Express.
In what was a repeat of last week's trip to Birmingham, but this time it was just my wife and I. The purpose of our visit this week was to see the 70's band The Stranglers in concert. As with last week though, I also managed to get out first thing to see a railtour, this time to see the Cumbrian Coast Express.
13. GWML-24.03.15 Whilst driving back from Wiltshire I stopped off on the GWML at Baulking between Swindon and Didcot on a lovely but chilly and blustery early spring afternoon.
Whilst driving back from Wiltshire I stopped off on the GWML at Baulking between Swindon and Didcot on a lovely but chilly and blustery early spring afternoon.
14. Trip to London-02-04.04.15 For my wife's birthday, my son and I took her to London for a few days. Due to engineering works on the WCML meaning the dreaded bustitution, we decided to go on the Midland route from Wellingborough. For a change, the fares were reasonable, this route is consitently a more expensive way to travel to London for us in Northamptonshire.
For my wife's birthday, my son and I took her to London for a few days. Due to engineering works on the WCML meaning the dreaded bustitution, we decided to go on the Midland route from Wellingborough. For a change, the fares were reasonable, this route is consitently a more expensive way to travel to London for us in Northamptonshire.
15. Robin Hood Line, Sheffield & Peak District-10.04.15 For our Easter trip, Andy and I took a trip the length of the Robin Hood line from north Nottingham, then across to Sheffield and finally over the Peak District to the east of Manchester. A day of great contrasts both in terms of general scenery and the railway itself.
For our Easter trip, Andy and I took a trip the length of the Robin Hood line from north Nottingham, then across to Sheffield and finally over the Peak District to the east of Manchester. A day of great contrasts both in terms of general scenery and the railway itself.
16. GWML-14.04.15 After working at my late father's house in Wiltshire I stopped off at the GWML on the Wiltshire/Oxfordshire border on a glorious spring afternoon.
After working at my late father's house in Wiltshire I stopped off at the GWML on the Wiltshire/Oxfordshire border on a glorious spring afternoon.
17. Trip to Birmingham-17 & 18.04.15 Yet another overnight trip to Birmingham with my wife. This time, we had tickets to see UB40 in concert, an event that we had both been looking forward to for some time!
Yet another overnight trip to Birmingham with my wife. This time, we had tickets to see UB40 in concert, an event that we had both been looking forward to for some time!
18. 5Z58 ECS working-23.04.15 A quick ride out on my bike to Roade cutting to photograph a rare and unusual empty coaching stock moved huled by two DRS class 37s. The weather was a perfect spring day with superb light.
A quick ride out on my bike to Roade cutting to photograph a rare and unusual empty coaching stock moved huled by two DRS class 37s. The weather was a perfect spring day with superb light.
19. Trip to Newcastle-24 & 25.04.15 An overnight trip to Newcastle with my wife to see Sting and Jimmy Nail at the superb Sage theatre. We travelled from Peterborough that necessitated a drive from home and then leaving the car.
An overnight trip to Newcastle with my wife to see Sting and Jimmy Nail at the superb Sage theatre. We travelled from Peterborough that necessitated a drive from home and then leaving the car.
20. Trip to London-28.04.15 A trip to London with my wife on a lovely spring day.
A trip to London with my wife on a lovely spring day.
21. Trip to Canley-29.04.15 A brief work-related trip to Canley was followed by a short walk to a car dealership to collect a car for a customer. I had a very pleasant drive back to Northampton in a rather nice classic Jaguar.
A brief work-related trip to Canley was followed by a short walk to a car dealership to collect a car for a customer. I had a very pleasant drive back to Northampton in a rather nice classic Jaguar.
22. 5Z02 move (Bike)-09.05.15 (Sat) A quick ride out on my bike from home to Roade cutting in order to observe a rare working that had been posted on the internet. Unusually, it ran and to time so I was soon back home again!
A quick ride out on my bike from home to Roade cutting in order to observe a rare working that had been posted on the internet. Unusually, it ran and to time so I was soon back home again!
23. 1Z46 Euston-Crewe move-10.05.15 As a birthday present to myself, I took an hour out in my Combo van to nearby Victoria bridge in order to capture the passing of the 1Z46 Euston to Crewe ecs working.
As a birthday present to myself, I took an hour out in my Combo van to nearby Victoria bridge in order to capture the passing of the 1Z46 Euston to Crewe ecs working.
24. Trip to Sheffield-14.05.15 A quick morning run from Wellingborough to Sheffield in order to collect a delightful Rover 45 for a customer!
A quick morning run from Wellingborough to Sheffield in order to collect a delightful Rover 45 for a customer!
25. The Golden Jubilee Pullman-16.05.15 As a life member of the Deltic Preservation Society, I'll always make an extra effort to get out and see when one of 'my' locomotives are out on the mainline. This time, I did not have far to drive in my Combo van as 55009 'Alycidon' was leading a railtour along the former GW Birmingham route so I headed off to Banbury. Pleased as I was to see and hear a Deltic on the mainline, it was a shame that it was such a dull spring day!
As a life member of the Deltic Preservation Society, I'll always make an extra effort to get out and see when one of 'my' locomotives are out on the mainline. This time, I did not have far to drive in my Combo van as 55009 'Alycidon' was leading a railtour along the former GW Birmingham route so I headed off to Banbury. Pleased as I was to see and hear a Deltic on the mainline, it was a shame that it was such a dull spring day!
26. Trip to Wakefield-26.05.15 A trip with my boss to Wakefield to collect a car for a customer. After a run up on the train we had fun driving back in an aging Ford Fiesta!
A trip with my boss to Wakefield to collect a car for a customer. After a run up on the train we had fun driving back in an aging Ford Fiesta!
27. Trip to London-27.05.15 Yet another trip to London with my wife and son during half-term week. The main purpose of this trip was to see John Buchan's The Thirty-Nine Steps at the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly just prior to its closure after becoming the fifth longest-running West End production.
Yet another trip to London with my wife and son during half-term week. The main purpose of this trip was to see John Buchan's The Thirty-Nine Steps at the Criterion Theatre in Piccadilly just prior to its closure after becoming the fifth longest-running West End production.
28. The Cumbrian Coast Express-30.05.15 A quick Saturday morning trip out to see The Cumbrian Coast Express close to home.
A quick Saturday morning trip out to see The Cumbrian Coast Express close to home.
29. Westbury-01 & 02.06.15 I had business in the West Country so spent two days in Wiltshire. On both days it rained heavily, god bless and English summer, but I managed an hour or so at Westbury station.
I had business in the West Country so spent two days in Wiltshire. On both days it rained heavily, god bless and English summer, but I managed an hour or so at Westbury station.
30. Trip to London-05.06.15 A trip to London with my wife to visit the O2 to see a fantastic exhibition of Elvis Presley memorabilia. I am not a fan but it was facilitating to see nonetheless.
A trip to London with my wife to visit the O2 to see a fantastic exhibition of Elvis Presley memorabilia. I am not a fan but it was facilitating to see nonetheless.
31. The Cumbrian Mountain Express-06.06.15 On a beautiful early summer's morning, I walked across the field from home to capture the passage of The Cumbrian Mountain Express. Usually, this is handled by 86259 but on this occasion, a smart red DB Class 90 was in charge.
On a beautiful early summer's morning, I walked across the field from home to capture the passage of The Cumbrian Mountain Express. Usually, this is handled by 86259 but on this occasion, a smart red DB Class 90 was in charge.
32. Trip to Knutsford-12.06.15 A work-related trip to Knutsford to collect a car from a dealership. My boss and I had a nice run back down the M6 in a Mercedes.
A work-related trip to Knutsford to collect a car from a dealership. My boss and I had a nice run back down the M6 in a Mercedes.
33. The Three Peaks Challenge-18 & 21.06.15 The Three Peaks Challenge is a regular event on the railway's calendar. It is organised by the Railway Children charity in association with Porterbrook and involves organised rail travel between the UK's three highest mountains in order for them to be climbed by teams of fundraisers. The event usually involves some interesting stock and motive power charging up and down the country. This year I saw the outward and return ecs workings on Thursday 18th June and Sunday 21st June reseptively.
The Three Peaks Challenge is a regular event on the railway's calendar. It is organised by the Railway Children charity in association with Porterbrook and involves organised rail travel between the UK's three highest mountains in order for them to be climbed by teams of fundraisers. The event usually involves some interesting stock and motive power charging up and down the country. This year I saw the outward and return ecs workings on Thursday 18th June and Sunday 21st June reseptively.
34. Trip to Taunton-19.06.15 A trip to Taunton by train to collect car from the nearby town of Wellington. Any normal person would have taken a taxi from Taunton station to the dealership but not me, I took my bike and rode to the Somerset town following the line retracing the route that I took as part of my West of England tour in the summer of 1979 . After riding to Wellington, I had a lovely drive back to Northamptonshire in a delightful Honda Jazz!

A trip to Taunton by train to collect car from the nearby town of Wellington. Any normal person would have taken a taxi from Taunton station to the dealership but not me, I took my bike and rode to the Somerset town following the line retracing the route that I took as part of my West of England tour in the summer of 1979. After riding to Wellington, I had a lovely drive back to Northamptonshire in a delightful Honda Jazz!
35. Father's Day on the NLR-21.06.15 For a Father's Day my wife, son and I took a bike ride along part of the Brampton Valley Way ending up at The Northampton and Lamport Railway for a return trip on the train. A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a nice summer Sunday even if my wife did not quite agree; she does not ride her bike that often!
For a Father's Day my wife, son and I took a bike ride along part of the Brampton Valley Way ending up at The Northampton and Lamport Railway for a return trip on the train. A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a nice summer Sunday even if my wife did not quite agree; she does not ride her bike that often!
36. Trip to Cardiff-24.06.15 A trip to Cardiff with my boss to collect a lovely little Nissan Micra from a dealership. The return journey was interesting, to say the least only getting about five miles before it broke down on the M4 with a seized calliper! We sorted it out at the next services but it did mean that we had to drive all the way back to Northampton without using the brakes. This was a feat managed until we reached the ramp back at the workshop using a combination of enhanced anticipation, engine braking and judicious use of the handbrake.
A trip to Cardiff with my boss to collect a lovely little Nissan Micra from a dealership. The return journey was interesting, to say the least only getting about five miles before it broke down on the M4 with a seized calliper! We sorted it out at the next services but it did mean that we had to drive all the way back to Northampton without using the brakes. This was a feat managed until we reached the ramp back at the workshop using a combination of enhanced anticipation, engine braking and judicious use of the handbrake.
37. Up sleeper & trip to London-25.06.15 A few days earlier, 87002 had worked a northbound sleeper so it would have to return south again, possibly on an up service. Indeed, postings on the internet the previous evening revealed that it was on the up Highland service. So I nipped out early to catch it locally. This was followed by another trip to London with my wife to see Alister McGowan at The Park Theatre in An Audience with Jimmy Saville. This is one of the finest, most profound and at the same time one of the most disturbing productions that we have ever seen.
A few days earlier, 87002 had worked a northbound sleeper so it would have to return south again, possibly on an up service. Indeed, postings on the internet the previous evening revealed that it was on the up Highland service. So I nipped out early to catch it locally. This was followed by another trip to London with my wife to see Alister McGowan at The Park Theatre in An Audience with Jimmy Saville. This is one of the finest, most profound and at the same time one of the most disturbing productions that we have ever seen.
38. DBS excursion-26.06.15 A local walk to Roade cutting to see a DBS staff excursion operated by Belmond under their Northern Belle branding.
A local walk to Roade cutting to see a DBS staff excursion operated by Belmond under their Northern Belle branding.
39. Trip to Knaresborough-02.07.15 A trip to Knaresborough to collect a car for a customer at work. My boss and I had a lovely drive back from Yorkshire in a very average Ford Focus!
A trip to Knaresborough to collect a car for a customer at work. My boss and I had a lovely drive back from Yorkshire in a very average Ford Focus!
40. British GP Northern Belle-05.07.15 Living at Roade I am close to Silverstone. On British Grand Prix day there is often a charter that brings some of the many race fans to Northamptonshire. Northern Belle operated the charter this year and I went out and saw it twice in the morning and on its return after the race. Incidentally, the GP was won by Lewis Hamilton driving for Mercedes.
Living at Roade I am close to Silverstone. On British Grand Prix day there is often a charter that brings some of the many race fans to Northamptonshire. Northern Belle operated the charter this year and I went out and saw it twice in the morning and on its return after the race. Incidentally, the GP was won by Lewis Hamilton driving for Mercedes.
41. The White Rose-07.07.15 I took an hour or so off work to see the passage of The White Rose railtour hauled by one of 'my' locomotives, D9009 'Alycidon'. I drove my van to the nearest point on the ECML to me that was just south of Biggleswade. Unfortunately, despite being high summer it was a very grey and dismal day but at least the train was on time so I could get back to work.
I took an hour or so off work to see the passage of The White Rose railtour hauled by one of 'my' locomotives, D9009 'Alycidon'. I drove my van to the nearest point on the ECML to me that was just south of Biggleswade. Unfortunately, despite being high summer it was a very grey and dismal day but at least the train was on time so I could get back to work.
42. Trip to Liverpool-08-10.07.15 Whilst our son was away on a school trip my wife and I took the opportunity for a short trip ourselves. We had a mini-break in Liverpool travelling by train and staying at our preferred hotel The Nadler.
Whilst our son was away on a school trip my wife and I took the opportunity for a short trip ourselves. We had a mini-break in Liverpool travelling by train and staying at our preferred hotel The Nadler.
43. The Cumbrian Mountain Express-11.07.15 An early morning walk across the field from home to see the passage of The Cumbrian Mountain Express charter.
An early morning walk across the field from home to see the passage of The Cumbrian Mountain Express charter.
44. Trip to Bradford-15.07.15 A work-related trip to Bradford to collect a car for a customer. Having done this my boss and I drove the car to Knaresborough to collect a second car. I had the delight of driving a lovely old Golf back from Yorkshire whilst my boss chose the MG ZS.
A work-related trip to Bradford to collect a car for a customer. Having done this my boss and I drove the car to Knaresborough to collect a second car. I had the delight of driving a lovely old Golf back from Yorkshire whilst my boss chose the MG ZS.
45. Trip to Workington-29.07.15 Another work trip in order to collect a car. This time, an out and back trip to Workington on the Cumbrian coast that involved a drive back in a rather rough Mini. This journey included a horrible delay on the M6 in the Shap area; at least the run up on the train was to time!
Another work trip in order to collect a car. This time, an out and back trip to Workington on the Cumbrian coast that involved a drive back in a rather rough Mini. This journey included a horrible delay on the M6 in the Shap area; at least the run up on the train was to time!
46. Thingley Junction-30.07.15 Whilst returning from Wiltshire, I called in at Thingley Junction to capture a couple of HST services taking the diversionary route due to the closure of Box tunnel for electrification works.
Whilst returning from Wiltshire, I called in at Thingley Junction to capture a couple of HST services taking the diversionary route due to the closure of Box tunnel for electrification works.
47. The Royal Windsor Statesman-01.08.15 Two trips out to see the Royal Windsor Statesmen on its outward and return legs local to home in Roade.
Two trips out to see the Royal Windsor Statesmen on its outward and return legs local to home in Roade.
48. Trip to London-06-08.08.15 A short summer break in London with my wife and son. On one of the days we went to see an interesting production of The Elephant Man at the Theatre Royal Haymarket starring Bradley Cooper. On the following day we went to the London dungeons situated under the old County Hall on South Bank.
A short summer break in London with my wife and son. On one of the days we went to see an interesting production of The Elephant Man at the Theatre Royal Haymarket starring Bradley Cooper. On the following day we went to the London dungeons situated under the old County Hall on South Bank.
49. Scottish tour-10-13.08.15 Undoubtedly the highlight of the year was an extended trip to Scotland with Andy. We took the sleeper to Fort William and hired cars from there on. Overnight stays were taken in Inverness and Dundee. We finished our tour in Edinburgh and took the train back home again.
Undoubtedly the highlight of the year was an extended trip to Scotland with Andy. We took the sleeper to Fort William and hired cars from there on. Overnight stays were taken in Inverness and Dundee. We finished our tour in Edinburgh and took the train back home again.
50. The Bournemouth Flyer-22.08.15 On a pleasant August day, I took a short drive out to King's Sutton to see the passing of The Bournemouth Flyer. I chose a spot a short walk north of the Northamptonshire village that is less frequented by photographers. Unfortunately, some lineside growth needed a little pruning, good job I always carry a pair of secateurs in my camera bag!
On a pleasant August day, I took a short drive out to King's Sutton to see the passing of The Bournemouth Flyer. I chose a spot a short walk north of the Northamptonshire village that is less frequented by photographers. Unfortunately, some lineside growth needed a little pruning, good job I always carry a pair of secateurs in my camera bag!
51. Holiday in Copenhagen-23-28.08.15 My wife, son and I enjoyed a lovely few days in the Danish capital Copenhagen. Our apartment was located a short walk from Copenhagen Central station that I was able to explore at my leisure. We made excellent use of the Copenhagen Card that permitted unlimited travel on all public transport with no restrictions not only within the city but a fair distance away from it. I found all stations to be open and felt prefectly comfortable wandering around taking photographs even though I saw no other enthusiasts.
My wife, son and I enjoyed a lovely few days in the Danish capital Copenhagen. Our apartment was located a short walk from Copenhagen Central station that I was able to explore at my leisure. We made excellent use of the Copenhagen Card that permitted unlimited travel on all public transport with no restrictions not only within the city but a fair distance away from it. I found all stations to be open and felt prefectly comfortable wandering around taking photographs even though I saw no other enthusiasts.
52. The Cathedrals Express-03.09.15 A pause by the railway on my way to work to capture the rarity of a steam-hauled charter and even more unusually during the week. Unfortunately, the sun and prevailing wind did not play ball with it not only being rather dull but with exhaust partially oblitorating the locomotive!
A pause by the railway on my way to work to capture the rarity of a steam-hauled charter and even more unusually during the week. Unfortunately, the sun and prevailing wind did not play ball with it not only being rather dull but with exhaust partially oblitorating the locomotive!
53. Trip to Bodmin Parkway-09.09.15 A delightful work trip all the way to Cornwall to collect a car. I travelled with my boss being collected from Bodmin Parkway station. We enjoyed an uneventful drive back to Northamptonshire in a somewhat anonymous Kie Cee'd.
A delightful work trip all the way to Cornwall to collect a car. I travelled with my boss being collected from Bodmin Parkway station. We enjoyed an uneventful drive back to Northamptonshire in a somewhat anonymous Kie Cee'd.
54. Roade Cutting-13.09.15 A lovely late summer Sunday got me out on my bike to nearby Roade cutting. I love photographing at this time of year with the sun slightly lower in the sky combined with the subtle changes to the natural landscape it creates a lovely warm lighting.
A lovely late summer Sunday got me out on my bike to nearby Roade cutting. I love photographing at this time of year with the sun slightly lower in the sky combined with the subtle changes to the natural landscape it creates a lovely warm lighting.
55. Trip to Narborough-14.09.15 A work trip took me to Narborough in Leicestershire in order to collect a customer's new car. After yesterday's beautiful autumn weather today it poured with rain getting me wet riding my bike from the station to the car dealership at nearby Fosse Park. I had an equally wet drive back to work in a pleasant Seat Leon.
A work trip took me to Narborough in Leicestershire in order to collect a customer's new car. After yesterday's beautiful autumn weather today it poured with rain getting me wet riding my bike from the station to the car dealership at nearby Fosse Park. I had an equally wet drive back to work in a pleasant Seat Leon.
56. Trip to London-16.09.15 Yet another day trip to London with my wife. This time it was more for her than me with us having tickets for Gypsey at the Savoy Theatre on the Strand. Musicals are not my cup of tea but as the incredible Imelda Staunton, was the lead role it was worth seeing.
Yet another day trip to London with my wife. This time it was more for her than me with us having tickets for Gypsey at the Savoy Theatre on the Strand. Musicals are not my cup of tea but as the incredible Imelda Staunton, was the lead role it was worth seeing.
57. Bradford-on-Avon-23.09.15 A brief visit to Bradford-on-Avon station where I spent a lot of time as a schoolboy in the town back in the 1970s. This recent visit followed some final work at my late father's house and instructing an estate agent to market it.
A brief visit to Bradford-on-Avon station where I spent a lot of time as a schoolboy in the town back in the 1970s. This recent visit followed some final work at my late father's house and instructing an estate agent to market it.
58. Blatchbridge Junction-29.09.15 After assisting my mum and her partner with their house move into Frome and undertaking some diy for them I escaped to nearby Blatchbridge Junction for an hour or so as the sun had come out after a dreary couple of days.
After assisting my mum and her partner with their house move into Frome and undertaking some diy for them I escaped to nearby Blatchbridge Junction for an hour or so as the sun had come out after a dreary couple of days.
59. SVR Diesel Gala-02.10.15 On a glorious autumn day, I took a trip to the Severn Valley Railway's twice-yearly diesel gala. After the clearance of early morning fog for the second day of October is was unseasonally warm enabling me to spend a very pleasant few hours sitting on the grass just watching the trains pass by and in fact dozing off at one point!. The SVR put on their usual show of varied motive power and operated a pretty intensive timetable. There is a number of audio recordings taken on the day on my YouTube site.

On a glorious autumn day, I took a trip to the Severn Valley Railway's twice-yearly diesel gala. After the clearance of early morning fog for the second day of October is was unseasonally warm enabling me to spend a very pleasant few hours sitting on the grass just watching the trains pass by and in fact dozing off at one point!. The SVR put on their usual show of varied motive power and operated a pretty intensive timetable. There is a number of audio recordings taken on the day on my YouTube site.
60. Trip to London-07.10.15 Yet another trip to London with my lovely wife! This time we had tickets for the excellent musical Kinky Boots that was of particular interest to us two being residents of the centre of shoemaking and where the musical was set, Northampton.
Yet another trip to London with my lovely wife! This time we had tickets for the excellent musical Kinky Boots that was of particular interest to us two being residents of the centre of shoemaking and where the musical was set, Northampton.
61. Holiday in Norfolk-24-30.10.15 Our traditional autumn trip to Norfolk this year was blessed with great weather until the last day! Staying at Kelling Heath near to Weybourne meant that I could do my usual exploration of the North Norfolk Railway and that I could take plenty of photographs. We took a trip to Norwich by train but rather than shopping I took a run out to the coast on one of Greater Anglia's locomotive-hauled services enjoying some Class 37 haulage! As well as the photographs on this site, a number of audio recordings can be enjoyed on my YouTube site.

Our traditional autumn trip to Norfolk this year was blessed with great weather until the last day! Staying at Kelling Heath near to Weybourne meant that I could do my usual exploration of the North Norfolk Railway and that I could take plenty of photographs. We took a trip to Norwich by train but rather than shopping I took a run out to the coast on one of Greater Anglia's locomotive-hauled services enjoying some Class 37 haulage! As well as the photographs on this site, a number of audio recordings can be enjoyed on my YouTube site.
62. Trip to London-13-14.11.15 An overnight trip to London with my wife courtesy of her work. They treated all staff to a pre-Christmas event at a hotel featuring Suggs (of Madness fame) as part of a corporate charity event. Unfortunately, the night was tempered somewhat as the news started to emerge on our smartphones of the terrible terrorist attack at the Bataclan theatre.
An overnight trip to London with my wife courtesy of her work. They treated all staff to a pre-Christmas event at a hotel featuring Suggs (of Madness fame) as part of a corporate charity event. Unfortunately, the night was tempered somewhat as the news started to emerge on our smartphones of the terrible terrorist attack at the Bataclan theatre.
63. Site of Roade Station-20.11.15 After doing the housework I took a short walk around the village stopping on the bridge that spans the WCML at the site of the former station. Continued work on the nearby huge and somewhat controversial housing estate continues apace changing the background of some images considerably.
After doing the housework I took a short walk around the village stopping on the bridge that spans the WCML at the site of the former station. Continued work on the nearby huge and somewhat controversial housing estate continues apace changing the background of some images considerably.
64. The Cathedral's Express & Roade Cutting-21.11.15 Few steam-hauled charters are permitted to use the WCML so when they do I make a determined effort to get out and capture them whatever the time of year and the weather! Of even more interest was that the charter was being hauled by the recently overhauled B1 61306 'Mayflower'. After the events of the morning, I spent an hr or so in Roade cutting.
Few steam-hauled charters are permitted to use the WCML so when they do I make a determined effort to get out and capture them whatever the time of year and the weather! Of even more interest was that the charter was being hauled by the recently overhauled B1 61306 'Mayflower'. After the events of the morning, I spent an hr or so in Roade cutting.
65. The Jolly Marketeer & The Bath Christmas Statesman-28.11.15 A relatively short drive in my Combo van to King's Sutton in order to see two charters passing within half an hour of each other. After a lovely bright and frosty start, it clouded up as I was waiting for the second charter but there was still enough light for a reasonable photograph. I was surprised to be the only photographer at this popular location.
A relatively short drive in my Combo van to King's Sutton in order to see two charters passing within half an hour of each other. After a lovely bright and frosty start, it clouded up as I was waiting for the second charter but there was still enough light for a reasonable photograph. I was surprised to be the only photographer at this popular location.
66. Berkley & Frome-02.12.15 Whilst making a brief visit to my mum I stopped off near Frome at a well-known spot to find that recent drainage work has really opened up the views. I also stopped at Frome station.
Whilst making a brief visit to my mum I stopped off near Frome at a well-known spot to find that recent drainage work has really opened up the views. I also stopped at Frome station.
67. Trip to London-04-06.12.15 Our annual pre-Christmas trip to London the main purpose of which is to attend the Tennis Masters indoor tournament held at the Royal Albert Hall. As usual, we stayed at our neighbours superb second home in Kensington which was ideal for the Albert Hall and other activities including me getting out to see some charters whilst my wife and son did other things!
Our annual pre-Christmas trip to London the main purpose of which is to attend the Tennis Masters indoor tournament held at the Royal Albert Hall. As usual, we stayed at our neighbours superb second home in Kensington which was ideal for the Albert Hall and other activities including me getting out to see some charters whilst my wife and son did other things!
68. Trip to London-12 & 13.12.15 Yet another trip to London! This time my wife and I went to the Royal Albert Hall (again!) to a concert to commemorate Frank Sinatra's one-hundredth birthday; not my cup of tea really but Mrs. On The Up Fast enjoyed it!
Yet another trip to London! This time my wife and I went to the Royal Albert Hall (again!) to a concert to commemorate Frank Sinatra's one-hundredth birthday; not my cup of tea really but Mrs. On The Up Fast enjoyed it!
69. Southern England Circular-21.12.15 On the shortest day of the year, Andy and I undertook a wide circular trip of southern England in my Combo van after calling in at my late father's house in Wiltshire. The weather was appalling but this is not unexpected at this time of year I suppose!
On the shortest day of the year, Andy and I undertook a wide circular trip of southern England in my Combo van after calling in at my late father's house in Wiltshire. The weather was appalling but this is not unexpected at this time of year I suppose!
70. A post Christmas around Roade-28.12.15 To counteract the Christas excess I took a walk around Roade on a smashing winter's day.
To counteract the Christas excess I took a walk around Roade on a smashing winter's day.
71. Roade Cutting on the last day of the year-31.12.15 As has become somewhat of a custom I take a short trip out in New Year's Eve and take a few photographs. This year, I took a short bike ride around Roade to the cutting.
As has become somewhat of a custom I take a short trip out in New Year's Eve and take a few photographs. This year, I took a short bike ride around Roade to the cutting.
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