After a very cold weekend I ventured over to the GCR as there was some good sunshine and Oliver Cromwell was purported to be running.She was but at the back of the trains!

A quick visit on saturday as the sun was out.The trains were full of little Brownies bless em! I did'nt stay long.

A fantastic day.No other railway could manage this.Superb organisation.Well done to all.

This year's Autumn Gala at the Great Central was named the Heavy Metal Show and it certainly lived up to it's name.I visited on Friday and saturday and it was pretty hectic especially on saturday with a mixture of freight and passenger trains pounding the metals.Thanks again to Mike Snow for transport on saturday.

My visit to the SVR Gala in the company of Mike Snow was an enjoyable one and the sun made several appearances in the afternoon.I shared the same field as that master of steam photography Ed Hirst who was explaining his techniques to the assembled gallery.

My first visit to the Rutland railway Museum near Cottesmore.They were holding a Heritage day which meant no entrance fee to this quarry based industrial line.One loco was in steam but the museum is fascinating and well worth a visit.

Tangmere at Budbrooke near Warwick on it's way to Stratford Upon Avon from London Victoria

The two recently refurbished tank engines the Fairburn and the N2 were paired together this weekend and were scheduled to double head the 4.45pm departure from Loughborough on saturday. I made a flying visit over there.

I ventured over to darkest Warwickshire on sunday to catch a glimpse of Earl of Mount Edgecombe on it's first return from Stratford.I managed to **** up my camera settings so I apologise for the quality in advance.

My first view of the N2 at Leicester North with the newly canopied station .

After a week of heavy showers Saturday promised a welcome spell of dry and hopefully sunny weather.However the sunny spells which did materialise did'nt coincide with the timetabled appearance of any steam locomotives and once again we were left to ponder on what might have been.Thanks again to Mike Snow for ferrying Clive and I around.The Gala ran more or less to time and seemed well attended.

It's July so it must be Foxfield.Another excellent day in the company of ace videographer Mike Snow at the annual Foxfield Gala.Never any complaints about engines not working here!

A quick visit to the GCR to see the newly commissioned and freshly painted Fairburn Tank.

I made a rare visit down to the SVR at the weekend .The occasion was the WW2 weekend re-enactment although primarily the aim was to photograph the trains.I must thank Mike Snow once again for driving me and Clive Hanley for keeping me out of trouble.

I spent a couple of hours on sunday at Quorn station in the sunshine at the GCR's War weekend . The trains were incidental at this event the main feature being the service and civilian people re-enacting the period of WWII. I have to admit to not really being a people photographer but I found that most people were only to willing to pose,getting them not to pose was the problem!

I recently travelled from Rugby to Euston by train,my first visit to Rugby since the extensive station redevelopment took place there.The work which was highly publicised for overrunning time is extensive and I visited a few days before I was due to travel to get the lay of the land so to speak.All these pictures were taken with my new little compact digital Panasonic TZ6 which has a 12X zoom and which takes amazing pictures.Thanks to Clive Hanley for recommending it to me.See my PicturesGalore website for the London pics.

Celebrating 25 years the G&WR held its Festival of Steam this weekend. I accompanied Mike Snow on saturday which turned out quite sunny although it clouded over in the morning.A mixed bag of locos and some odd timetabling but still quite enjoyable especially as we enjoyed the excellent company of Graham ,Gordon,Henry and the incomparable Dee.

Once again I entered some pictures in the annual L&LPS competition for pictures taken on the GCR.This time I came away empty handed but for sake of continuity and fairness I am posting my entries on my site.There is also a link to the winning pictures posted on the L&LPS site See winners.

I spent three days up in North Yorkshire being blown about at the so called NYMR Gala.I have to admit being disappointed that so few engines were actually working. The Glossy brochure was pretty much a farce as regards which locos were running on the friday as there were only three locos actually on passenger train duties, no more than on thursday. Ok so Tornado was one of them, but not good enough for a Gala! Also there were no freights running at the weekend! My rant is over so here are the pics,enjoy.

The first saturday of the nine day Steam Gala at the Llangollen Railway dawned bright and sunny.Thanks to Clive Hanley for chauffering me in his limo I was able to attend this event for the first time.The weather was great and the lineup of locomotives inspiring.Congratulations to the Betton Grange society for organising the event,the printed programme was the best I've ever seen and I hope others take note.

In somewhat dismal weather the so called GCR Tank Engine Gala commenced over the Easter weekend.Saturday dawned grey and drizzly and so it stayed most of the day.With visitors from the NNR and KWVR the third engine insteam was 4141 which is nearly out of it's ticket.Thanks to Mike Snow for ferrying us about.

The annual trip to the WSR Spring Gala was eagerly awaited but not so the traditional dousing we seem to get each year.This time it was the strong winds which sought to blow us and the smoke everyway.It was cold wet and windy at times especially on the first couple of days but sunday was lovely.Timetabling was at times baffling with tender first locomotives too prevalent but in spite of all this it was enjoyable.Thanks to Graham,Gordon ,Henry and Dee for their company and to the WSR for keeping this wonderful line running and well kept!

On saturday I made one of my rare trips to the east coast to the NNR Gala commemorating the closure of the M&GN. My thanks to Mike Snow for taking me on the 240 mile round trip.

After suffering with flu for a couple of weeks I ventured over to Loughborough for a few shots in the sunshine.Not as exciting as the Bluebell but it will have to do!

Along with the rest of the world or so it seemedI managed to photograph Tornado in glorious sunshine at South Muskham north of Newark as she sped south from Darlington to Kings Cross.

The Winter Gala was blessed with fine weather on saturday and was once again a non stop steam fest from start to finish.Those reprobates Mike and Clive once again kept me from seizing up in the cold and I am endebted to Mike for ferrying us around.

Thanks to Mike Snow I was able to visit the ELR Gala.My first for three years.The day was predominantly cloudy with the odd burst of sunshine when there were no trains about.It was enjoyable and in the company of Mike and Clive there is never a dull moment!

Well Christmas has gone and with it my man flu I hope, so I visited the GCR on Tuesday in the hopes of seeing some sunshine and 70048(70013)

On 25th November I joined with twenty or so photographers on a special event organised jointly by GCR,Steam Railway Magazine and the NRM.The three NRM engines were to be made available for a photo shoot at Swithland.The weather was superb and the colder temperatures made for superb exhausts against the blue sky.Thanks to the organisers and GCR Director Tony Sparks for accompanying us.

Brittania Class Loco 70013 Oliver Cromwell was temporarily renamed as 70048 Territorial Army 1908-2008 on saturday at Quorn by HRH The Duke of Gloucester.

On a day which promised much and delivered little in terms of weather I spent the first morning of November in the company of Mike Snow and Clive Hanley.City of Truro and Leander were once again the engines in steam.

After spending a pleasant week down in Lyme I returned to find that City of Truro was running this weekend together with Leander and Lord Nelson.I went over on sunday and found some sunshine and for a change I started up at the Leicester end of the line.

Very busy day,everywhere very busy,trains packed.Weather ok am but poor pm.Annoying as only a few miles south of Quorn sunny all day.Trains on time well done everybody.

For the first time the GCR Gala is being held over three days.Here are some pictures from Friday morning's activities.

Another visit to West Somerset for their Autumn Gala.Three days spent in the great company of Graham,Gordon,Henry and Dee who I am indebted to once again for their companionship and for ferrying me around.Mixed weather as is the norm at the WSR but a great lineup of engines and with the turntable at Minehead now in operation never a dull moment!

Mike Snow took me up to the NYMR Gala on saturday and we were blessed with fantastic weather for once.An excellent Gala at which we met up with some of the "greats" of railway photography and videography.Everyone was friendly and considerate except of course white van man at Moorgates who could'nt have parked in a worse position.

Following it's first public runs Tornado has today commenced high speed running trials prior to it's mainline certification .Tornado has spent the day undergoing tests at Kinchley Lane to ensure it's track loading is suitable for mainline running.

Tornado was hauling public trains for the first time yesterday and today.As yesterday's weather was dismal I ventured out full of hope for a fine day today.It was not to be however another grey Leicestershire day dawned at least till lunchtime anyway but I did manage a few pics.

I took my family on the Swanage Railway last week whilst on holiday in the area and although only one loco was in steam it was an excellent experience and the family enjoyed lording it in the Devon Belle Pullman Observation car.

Today was covenantors day on the GCR when all those who have given monies regularly towards the building of Tornado at long last got the chance to ride behind their locomotive. It was a sunny warm day for once and there were lots of photographers out to record the days events.

Whilst on holiday in Bridport in Dorset I nipped across to see 70013 climb Honiton Bank on it's way to Exeter.As usual the glorious sunshine which had prevailed all morning disappeared when she arrived.

Newly built A1 Pacific 60163 Tornado has recently arrived at the GCR for running in and can be seen here outside Loughborough shed this morning

On a very hot day Mike Snow once again volunteered to act as chauffeur and so Clive and myself were spared driving in the heat.The Gala was plagued by timetable anomolies and we never did see a freight but we did see Lord Nelson on TPO runs! although why put it on at 7pm when most people had gone?

My second visit to Foxfield courtesy of Mike Snow who chauffered me.Very heavy and blustery showers all day conspired against us but in spite of the weather we had a great day and the sight of those little engines pounding up the steep gradients makes it all worthwhile.

A rather cool showery day dawned on saturday as I attempted to photograph the big green engine.Some sunshine at times but very hit and miss.Not many lineside but did catch up with Mike Snow and the GB Productions team .

I called in to renew my lineside permit as I had'nt received a reminder and took a few shots.Of Nellie there was no sign apart from it's tender

I decided to pop over to the GCR this afternoon and take a few pics well it wasn't raining for once!

60007 on the first leg of the journey from Kings Cross to York is seen at Barkston just north of Grantham

After it's appearance on saturday at Tyseley 100 4965 was back on the mainline today on a private charter trip from Didcot to Stratford on Avon and return.Three shots taken on Hatton Bank.

Tyseley locomotive depot celebrated it's centenery this weekend with an Open day which I attended on saturday.Lots of Great Western Steam which included three Castles and three Halls. I tried out my new camera here for the first time too!

Bittern hauled a Cathedrals Express excursion from London Victoria to Stratford on Avon. I managed to see it on it's return yesterday.

The Great Central Railway has worked wonders to return 70013 Oliver Cromwell to running order so soon.The May bank holiday weekend saw 70013 have it's first public outing since restoration.I visited the line on Sunday and Monday.

Well it was third time lucky today.5029 on a loaded test run came storming through Narborough this evening on it's return leg to Tyseley.

The chance to join Matt Fieldings Charter with 7812 Erlestoke Manor was delayed considerably by last years disastrous floods but it was certainly worth the wait.Mike Snow and I joined the thirty odd photographers at Bewdley on monday morning somewhat apprehensively bearing in mind the recent poor weather.In the event we had good periods of sunshine and a great day was had by all. Well done Matt and well done SVR on getting things back to normal so quickly.

Mike Snow kindly took me up to NYMR on saturday for the second weekend of the LNER Festival. Unfortunately we probably picked the worst day of the year to go up. We had snow,sleet and heavy rain at us at increasingly frequent intervals plus a very cold blustery wind.We did get some sun but only when trains were facing the wrong way or nothing appeared.Still I got some pics and here they are!

A visit to the WSR Gala is always a treat and in spite of very wet weather it was as enjoyable as always.I spent two days in the enjoyable company of Graham and Gordon and Henry and Dee and am much indebted to them for ferrying me around.

This special from Mill Hill to Chester was steam hauled from Leicester by 71000 The Duke of Gloucester. I managed a few grab shots as it sped through Barrow on Soar.

Once again the Leicester and Leicestershire Photographic Society have held their annual Competition which includes a section for photographs taken on the Great Central Railway.I entered six photographs and was awarded first and second places plus a highly commended. The exhibition will be open to the public on 14th and 15th March at St.Peter's Church Hall Oadby Leicester.

My very first visit to the Bluebell line at the weekend and the weather was glorious.I presented myself at Sheffield Park Station early on saturday morning and signed up for membership and underwent a rigorous interrogation in order to gain my lineside permit.

A week after the Winter Gala and the merest hint of snow encourages me to forsake my bed and return to the GCR .A couple of extra pancake specials pepped up the winter timetable and the sight of 4F 44422 with the southern rake was a bonus.

An excellent Gala this weekend.The double track really came into it's own with frequent passenger and freight workings.It was busy and well supported and with six steam locos all facing south a pleasure for photographers and videographers.On saturday when I went the weather was good and the trains kept to time.What more could you want,well done GCR.

I attended the Night shoot at Loughborough on friday evening as a prelude to the GCR Winter Gala.It was my first time at such an event so it was with some trepidation that I turned up armed with tripod and remote shutter release. It was very dark and the exposures were very long but I got a few shots which were reasonable. I do think a little more floodlighting was required though.

Having heard from my good friend and allround good egg Clive that Pitchford Hall was at the GCR ready for next weeks Gala I decided to go over and have a look. It actually stopped raining whilst I was there which is a miracle too!

On an absolutely foul day I ventured up to Loughborough to see the York Yuletide Express from Leicester to York. The train finally appeared thirty minutes down after the dozen or so hardy souls with me had got very wet indeed.

I took my wife up to Whitby for a couple of days at the weekend and we enjoyed lovely weather at the Gala in support of the SVR Appeal.

As usual the weather on saturday was poor,it only improved slightly mid afternoon Nevertheless the Gala was a success with a good selection of passenger and freight trains and with two visiting engines and the long awaited return of Sir Lamiel to steam after it's boiler problems.

My first visit to the Autumn Gala nearly did'nt happen as my car has been off the road undergoing serious surgery for nearly four weeks.With the help and assistance of Graham Briggs who ferried me round and brought me home I was able to attend and as always thoroughly enjoyed myself.There were 12 engines running and the weather which was dry throughout the Gala behaved itself most of the time!

Mike Snow kindly offered to take me on my first visit to a Moors gala on saturday.We were accompanied by Clive Hanley and after a poor weather start things improved considerably. A good day but there was a lot of standing about waiting for trains to appear.

A brief visit to Loughborough on Sunday to look around the locoshed.

On the 2nd September the Stanier Pacific Duchess of Sutherland hauled the Shakespeare Express to Stratford.I was at Stratford to capture it's arrival on sunday morning under somewhat cloudy conditions

On Friday 31st August I drove due east to the fair county of Norfolk for my first ever visit to the North Norfolk Railway which runs from the coast at Sheringham inland to Weybourne and Holt.The weather was good particularly on Saturday and the Gala with six engines in steam was excellent.

On the 28th and 29th July 2007 The GCR held a Mail by Rail and RVP weekend.The weather was fine and there was a good turnout,although I suspect many enthusiasts came expecting to see Sir Lamiel which the GCR 's own newsletter had said would be running.As usual this was over enthusiasm and it did not run Nevertheless the event ran well apart from a scare on saturday morning with 4141.

More black and white pictures of Southern Steam at various locations taken on my travels.

As we remember the demise of Southern Steam forty years ago I thought it might be appropriate to dig out some of my old black and white photographs that I took in the 60's.These first batch of scans are mainly taken at Bournemouth. They are not great works of art but capture some of the atmosphere on and around the imposing station and sheds at Bournemouth Central.

On Tuesday July 3rd Steam Dreams Cathedrals Express ran from Victoria to Stratford with Unrebuilt Battle of Britain Class 34067 Tangmere.

Whilst renewing my lineside permit at Loughborough I thought I would have a stroll around the station and shed area. The sun played hide and seek as usual and showers threatened but at least the railway has not had the pounding by the recent storms which have beset the SVR.

On Saturday June 9th Ex GWR King 4-6-0 6024 King Edward 1 took the Cambrian Coast Express from Shrewsbury to Paddington complete with water carriers.

The G&WRS Gala heralded the appearance of Wadebridge,Green Arrow and S&DJR No 88. In spite of heavy showers the first day was excellent and congratulations must go to all those who got the visiting engines up and running so quickly.

6233 Duchess of Sutherland headed a railtour from Derby to Didcot today. I managed to capture it between Bishops Itchington and Fenny Compton.It was going like a bomb ontime and the sun came out!

On saturday March 31st ExGWR 4-6-0 4965 Rood Ashton Hall took an excursion to Lincoln and back from Tyseley. As I was in Sleaford that day I took the opportunity of popping over to Lincoln to see it.

If it's the end of March it must be the WSR Gala and what a Gala it was.I spent three days down there last week in the company of Graham and Gordon who very kindly ferried me around the photo hot spots. The weather was fairly kind with lots of sunshine especially on the saturday. A great event once again!

On March 16th and 17th the L&LPS hold their annual photographic exhibition. This competition has a section devoted to pictures taken on the GCR and is open to anyone to wishes to submit their work. I won the competition last year but this year I came second. My entries are shown here.

In spite of forecast bad weather my visit 'oop north' in the company of Clive Hanley and Mike Snow who once again offered his services as chauffeur for the day was brilliant. The weather was delightfully spring like and the Gala was superb.I hope these pictures do it justice.

The Great Central Railway's recent Heavy Freight Experience was the best they have held for years and for once the weather stayed dry.With five steam engines running there was plenty to photograph including visiting locos 49395 and 42968.

On saturday I accompanied Mike Snow to the CVR where the The Great Marquess 61994 was making it's final appearances before travelling north of the border. The weather was cloudy with drizzle at times but it didn't dampen our spirits as we also met up up with Clive Hanley who kept us on our toes.

Saturday December 9th was one of those rare days when two steam trips ventured to York both via Loughborough.Pitchford Hall took a Vintage Trains Excursion from Tyseley and Union of South Africa travelled up from St.Albans to York. There was sunshine and it was cold especially stood in a field,oh how we suffer for the pleasure of seeing steam on the mainline.

My first visit for years to the Battlefield line which runs from Shenton to Shackerstone in Leicestershire. On a sunny autumn afternoon I took a ride behind an immaculate B1 1360 Mayflower.

A quick visit to the GCR at the weekend in the hopes of seeing the 04 back in action. It was not to be however just 4141 and 48305 facing north again. I did spot Sir Lamiel sitting forlornly outside Loughborough shed so it wasn't a completely wasted journey! It is awaiting repair to it's crown stays which could be a big job apparently.

My first visit to the West Yorkshire line for over twenty years in the company of Mike Snow who kindly chauffered Graham Briggs,Gordon McCulloch and myself.

After a lousy week weatherwise Saturday dawned a beautiful day just perfect for the GCR annual Autumn Steam Gala.However,I am not sure that having four steam locomotives and four diesels running quite qualifies it as a Full Steam Gala but still we did have 35005.

On a photographic holiday to Scotland and the Isle of Skye I managed to see the Jacobite Express which runs from Fort William to Mallaig.
The weather was dismal but the line is so dramatic that this did not deter me.The locomotive is Ex LMS 4-6-0 45407 which for some strange reason has been renumbered as 45157 The Glasgow Highlander for these trips. I do find this current trend for renumbering rather confusing and unnecessary but c'est la vie!

The NYMR has been running steam services from Grosmont to Whitby on selected days throughout the summer and Autumn. On route to Scotland I visited Whitby and was able to photograph the service which runs through the beautiful Esk valley.

Rood Ashton Hall has been the regular performer all summer on the Sunday's only Shakespeare Expresses but this weekend 4953 Pitchford Hall was given the trip. Drfinitely a must see!

The GCR's special Gala,sorry weekend was meant to recall the 40th anniversary of the GCR closure.The weather on saturday was appalling but sunday dawned bright and breezy.Unfortunately steam was thin on the ground on sunday morning due to engine failures but thanks to 35005 masquerading as 35030 there was one engine in steam.

Ex GWR 4-6-0 Rood Ashton Hall photographed on the Shakespeare Express at Claverdon on Sunday 27th August and at Frisby on a Vintage Trains Special from Tyseley to Corby via Melton and Oakham on Monday 28th August 2006

A ride on the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway is a must when in the South Hams and as we spent a week recently in Dartmouth I was within sight and sound of the railway much of the time.I thoroughly recommend a visit to this line,the views are spectacular and the staff friendly. You also have the added bonus at weekends in July and August of seeing mainline steam on the Torbay Express-see previous collection.

A family holiday to Dartmouth fortunately coincided with two consecutive days running by the Torbay Express from Bristol to Kingswear.Now there's a bit of luck!

After returning from Germany I needed a quick fix of steam so I popped over to Loughborough on sunday morning to see what was doing.

On saturday 15th July I visited the Foxfield Railway gala for the first time. It was a hot day but there was plenty going on and it was well worth the visit.The starting point Caverswell Rd station is near Blythe Bridge south of Stoke and the three mile long line terminates for passengers at Dilhorne Park.The line continues down a steep gradient from here to the disused Foxfield colliery.
The sight of these industrial locomotives climbing the Foxfield bank is pretty awesome!

On saturday the 15th July I ventured into more new territory for me. I drove up to Stoke for the Foxfield Steam Gala and whilst I was up there I made a detour west to see the Central Wales Explorer trip steam hauled from Crewe to Newport. The 13 coach train was double headed by 45407 and 76079 and was photographed just north of Prees Station.

On Saturday the 8th July 30777 Sir Lamiel hauled the Ebor Express from Tyseley via Leicester to York .

Sir Lamiel made it's first appearance this afternoon with a trial run over the Shakespeare Express route from Birmingham to Stratford upon Avon.

My visit to Carlisle on Saturday the 17th June 2006 coincided with the Citadel Express excursion hauled by 6233 Duchess of Sutherland from Crewe to Carlisle and back via the west coast mainline. The ascent to Shap summit between Tebay and Penrith is a favourite location for photographers so I was really looking forward to seeing it for the first time.

On a scorchingly hot day I visited the GWR Big Gala. I met up with fellow enthusiasts Clive Hanley and Mike Snow who chauffered me round for the day.It was an exhausting day but worthwhile as armed with lineside permits we explored the line from Toddington to Cheltenham.

Newly restored V2 2-6-0 4771 Green Arrow resplendent in Apple green livery is running in prior to returning to Mainline duties on the GCR.As the only loco in steam Green Arrow takes sole responsibility for this week's midweek timetable.

Jubilee 5690 Leander took a Vintage Trains trip from Tyseley to York and Scarborough on Saturday 27th May 2006. I managed a couple of shots at Hind's crossing Whetstone on the Hinckley-Leicester line before it rained later.

I attended the VTS AGM at Tyseley for the first time today and this was followed by a tour of the loco works. I have included just a few for interests sake but no doubt my good friend Clive Hanley will post a comprehensive set of pictures in due course on his site.

In spite of a poor weather forecast earlier in the week Saturday April 8th saw perfect blue skies,ideal for photographing the two big red engines which were out and about today. An early start was required to see 6233 on a Derby to Blackpool trip whilst 5690 Leander was conveniently timed for mid morning on a VT trip to St.Albans

The Programme and working timetable for this weekends GCR 1960's Experience Gala welcomed us to the decade of short skirts and swinging music,I have to say I saw and heard neither but just the same mix of steam and diesels we have seen many times before. At £17.50 for an adult ticket I have to question value for money especially after last weekends extravaganza down on the WSR. Now that was value for money! Nevertheless the sun shone on Saturday morning and I got some pics.See what you think.

This year's Spring Gala is a tribute to the Somerset and Dorset Railway which closed 40 years ago.Nine mainline locomotives were on show including the two recently restored Ex S&D 7F locos No 88 and 53809 as well as 34067 Tangmere and 9F 92203. The weather was bitterly cold especially on Saturday but Sunday saw glorious sunshine. All in all a fantastic Gala which far surpasses anything elsewhere!

Family Holidays to North Wales were never complete without visits to one or other of the Festiniog.Tallyllyn,Vale of Rheidol or Snowdon Mountain Railways.

After a failed attempt to catch Lizzie on the Lickey on Saturday 18th February I drove over to Kidderminster and took the train to Bridgnorth in the excellent company of that well known snapper Clive Hanley

On 11th October 1964 I joined a Warwickshire Railway Society trip to Doncaster and York hauled by MN 35007 Aberdeen Commonwealth. The pictures are a mixture of colour slides and black and white.

Pictures taken of rusting steam locos at Barry in the early 1960's. many of these locos have since been rescued and restored to full running order.Sorry about the quality and colour the slides have deteriorated.

A quick visit to Loughborough to see how things are progressing with Sir Lamiel etc. and a few shots taken at the Leicester end of the line

My first visit to the East Lancs was blessed with sunshine and an array of engines which were a pleasure to photograph.Well worth the 250mile return trip.

On a glorious sunny January day I ventured out to photograph visitor 80105 which has come down for next weeks Winter Steam Gala.

The S&D line closed on the 7th March 1966. On the 6th March two steam specials ran along the line and I travelled on the SLS trip from Bath Green Park to Bournemouth.

On the 12th June 1965 I travelled on a Warwickshire Railway Society special from Birmingham to Eastleigh Works and back via the Somerset and Dorset line Here are a few of the black and white photographs I took on this 344 mile day trip which boasted four different steam engines. Those were the days!

To coincide with Brian Sharpes interesting book on Flying Scotsman I have put together a selection of my pictures taken of 4472 since the 1960's

Flying Scotsman heads a number of Christmas Lunch specials running from Dorridge via Leicester and back via Tamworth

On Saturday 10th December Steam Dreams Christmas Carol Special to Stratford was hauled by Class 5 4-6-0 45231. On a lovely sunny day I managed to capture it from a very muddy field as it climbed to Hatton and at Stratford Station prior to turning at Dorridge.

On Sunday December 4th I ventured to Glen Parva which is just up the road from me to see what I thought would be 4965 Rood Ashton Hall on a Tyseley to Ely Special. In the event 4965 was replaced by Black five 45305 and for once the sun came out!

After wasting an hour in the freezing fog on Saturday 19th November waiting for Union of South Africa to show on a Cathedrals Express trip via Melton to Barrow Hill,I gave up and sought some steam action at Loughborough

On Saturday October 22nd A4 Gresley Pacific 60009 Union of South Africa hauled the Cathedrals Express from Alton to Stratford on Avon and back. In spite of fairly poor light I managed to photograph it and here are the results.

Once again the Great Central Steam Gala was blessed with grim weather,at least on Saturday when I was there! I did manage to get a few decent pictures in the morning before the rains came.

My two day visit to the WSR Autumn Gala was hastily arranged and the weather mixed but the excellent mix of locos made it worthwhile.Eight mainline engines were in steam including Canadian Pacific 35005,Super D 49395 and Beattie well tank 30587

On September 10th 2005 I attended the Crewe Works Great Gathering. I travelled from Nuneaton on VT's Steam special hauled by 45305. It was a filthy day and time at Crewe was less than three hours but the photographs I took give a flavour of what was there.

On a beautiful sunny day Ex GWR King 6024 King Edward I hauled a heavy train up from Taunton to Stratford upon Avon with a Joint Newspaper special run by PTR.

Forty years ago I visited Crewe works and sheds on Warwickshire Railway Society trips from Birmingham. These black and white pictures chronicle these visits.

Ex GWR Hall Class 4-6-0 4965 Rood Ashton Hall regularly heads the Shakespeare express from Stratford to Birmingham

On the 21st August the Dean Forest Railway held a Branchline Auto train day. This delightful line which runs from Norchard to Lydney and from Norchard to Whitecroft was at it's best on a glorious August Sunday and can be thoroughly recommended.

This time armed with a new 28-135mm zoom lens for my Canon 350D complete with image stabilisation (for those shaky senior moments) I ventured forth on a hot day to capture some shots and was lucky to see two locos which is unusual for a weekday.

The Stratford and Midland Junction railway provided a link between Stratford and the Midland mainline in Northants. Ironstone from the quarries in Northants and Oxfordshire could therefore easily be transported to South Wales. The line passed through Kineton and crossed the GWR at Fenny Compton.

Having now acquired a lineside pass and High Viz vest I venture out onto the Great Central in somewhat better weather to see Alderman Draper or 45305 to her friends strut her stuff once again.

On a rather cloudy August monday I called in at Loughborough to see what was about.All was quiet but I did manage to photograph 45305 on the 1.30pm from Loughborough.

On Saturday the 2nd of July the rebuilt Duke of Gloucester hauled a Steam Dreams Cathedrals Express pecial from Hampshire to Stratford upon Avon. I travelled on the train from Warwick to Stratford and photographed it whilst it reversed and prepared to depart.

Ex LMS 4-6-0 45305 Alderman Draper was photographed at Leicester Station on 2nd July on a Tyseley to Ely special.

After a few false starts the Ex LMS Jubilee 45690 Leander together with EX LMS class 5 45305 were top and tailed for the trip from Tyseley to Melton and over the Harringworth viaduct. The route was changed at the last moment because of pathing problems but I managed to grab these few shots.

On our annual holiday to Lyme Regis this year in June we managed to visit Corfe castle and Buckfast Abbey. As it happened our visits coincided with steam trains departing from both Corfe station and Buckfastleigh in glorious sunshine.

I made a rare visit north of the border in early June 2005 and travelled on the Jacobite train from Fort William to Mallaig. This spectacular 46 mile line follows the Road to the Isles and is thoroughly recommended. The line runs through some of Scotland's finest scenery past lochs and mountains and across the Glenfinnan viaduct.B1 4-6-0 61264 shares the running of these daily trips with K1 62005.

A selection of colour slides made on family visits with my children in 1980 and 1982.

The third weekend in March each year signals the West Somerset Railway Spring Gala. This nineteen mile long railway runs from Bishops Lydyard to Minehead via very picturesque countryside and coastline. My first visit was in March 2002 and I then revisited in 2003.

Barrow Hill is the only surviving Roundhouse style of locomotive shed.situated near Staveley in Derbyshire it regularly hosts open days for enthusiasts.My first and only visit was on a beautiful sunny day the 14th July 2001.

I visited Didcot steam centre on one of their Open days on June 1st 2000. After a wet start the weather fined up and I was able to get some pics.

The famous 1 in 37 gradient between Bromsgrove and Blackwell on the Gloucester -Birmingham Midland mainline has long been a test for locomotives. In order to assist trains ascend this severe gradient trains have to be banked using locomotives kept on standby to assist. In the early 1960's the bankers were 0-6-0 Pannier tank engines and 9F 2-10-0 engines. Diesel powered trains were beginning to appear and occasionally Diesel bankers were used.

Photographs of Mainline steam excursions in recent years have been less frequent than previously but are well worth the wait. These examples are mainly taken around the Birmingham/Stratford area but with a few from farther afield

The main line between Birmingham and Paddington passes through Whitnash just to the south of Leamington Spa. Here I grew up with a love of steam engines and spent many happy hours at Blackbridge and on Leamington Station. I started taking photos when steam was in it's final days and consequently many of the engines seen here are in poor condition and minus nameplates. My camera equipment was basic and so pictures were very hit and miss. I have kept the prints and some colour slides for forty or so years and have started to scan them into my computer. These are the results of the first batch.

A selection of pictures taken on the Great Central Railway which runs from Loughborough to Leicester. The original pictures were either taken on colour film or slides and then scanned or more recently taken with a Fuji 6900Z Digital camera.