Probably one of the most difficult days out in a long while. Not knowin when they will run, the sun moving head on when they did run and naff all knowledge of the line.
I Managed two pretty decent shots. so better than nowt. If the forecast was right I would of planned it a bit better.
It was a Monstrous sight seeing 37109 on load 30 full of spoil and a noise that brought back many many fine memories of these on decent trains. Just wish I had the vidicam to hand.

Each yr I keep wonderin whether to throw in the towel with this hobby and use my energy to do something else but now again like today you get pics that come along once every ten yrs. Shame 87002 wasnt at the helm but 86701 will do. Nice start to the yr. May it continue : )

Thought the camera was hibernating till next yr until the Workington floods brought the great spectacle of loco haulage to the Cumbrian coast. With the odd freight here and there if your lucky its not a bad day, even though Flimby is like Chav city. Glad I wont be making many visits to there again. i was hoping 790 would of had ploughs, so a bit dissapointed it didnt. still the cover shot is pretty impressive with the Clag and the sea in the background. Cant ask for better than that : )

A day that held quite a bit of promise ended with naff all in the bag to really shout about from the ELR's November gala.
Well done to the ELR lads for getting a load 16 freight up and down the line with no problems.
Have to say 40145 in green next year is a must on this freight. Hope its a permanent fixture for future events.
After droppin the lad off at school and finding 401 had dropped on the Dowlow and the forecast of a chance of sunshine
I decided to head to Plumley with 401 blackbox leading. Looks quite nice but could of been so much better : s
With the 425 shot people wonderin why I took it here is a bleedin track machine was in the way of
the goods loop looking of the road bridge in the pic. So no shot on. Why I didnt go Rainhill. Big lesson learned today.

Not to sure about 2 locos leading at this location but I suppose I'm being fussy as the scenery is quite stunning at Docker.
47802 absolutely stunk of burning diesel oil as it rattled passed. Been a while since it had a work out like that : )
I spent 1 day around the WCML near Lambrigg, I was hoping for some good Autumn colours and was a tad dissapointed with what I got .
looks like I will have to wait about 3 wk before they emerge.
I also did 2 days at the SVR diesel gala. Some lineside fotting on the thursday and the Friday bashing 50135
And was that loud. It certainly puts 50015 to shame at the ELR. Can't be to harsh with what I say as 50135 as had some great TLC over the yrs.
The Manchester Class 50 Group left number 15 to rot.

On the whole its been a good month. 1st day out for a while was crammed with no less than 4 locations. Red Bank , Acton Bridge, Weaver Junction and Heamies Farm. At the last location 86501 was nailed for the very 1st time and a nice well lit shot of 60059 on the Toton - Basford ended a pretty good day.
Thanks to Ollie for the jockey about....
A day at the GCR gala to see child hood favourite 50007 ploughing the line was worth the trip alone.
Only the NYMR gala on the Friday was a scratch on this months efforts but I knew the forecast before I set off so no complaints there and finally
37418 at the ELR. Can't stay at home when this is running on a nice day.
There's some very ignorant twots about at the minute in this hobby. There time will come.

Just added a pic here of the 73s on the Weymouth Seasider tour as they departed the terminus.
I'm down here for 5 days for a well deserved break. been a while since I've seen ED's on the southern region. Certainly brought back memories of days out to
Eastleigh , gravesend Hoo junction and so on in the BR days.
Nice to a good looking loco on the logs today. We was in a complete shower for 30 mins before 57007 came round the bend.
A minute earlier and this would of been full crud. In my opinion this location is very underated even though the 40mph gusts and heavy rain put me off from going to Docker.
The bend and angle of the loco as it negotiates the curve into the middle road at Lancaster is quite superb. I can see thursday and Fridays being a popular day round helsby when this runs.
I only did the one shot of the 37 deputisng for the unavailable T pot. Wasn't really gaining anything today vegetation all green as green.
Will defo be having a bash on the sunday though. 2 x 37s all day for a tenner. Bargain.

After 2 days solid bashing which was an exceptional gala I decided to do some fottin on saturday afternoon as the blue sky made a welcome appearance.
Getting anything in full sun was a different matter. Only the 1 fot to show but was worth it as it was one of the best trains of the event.
Nowt wrong with a bit a rat thrash.
Sunday was a different story. Nailed everything apart from 47843. Can't say that very often from the usual wet july monsoon gala.
An evening at Red bank brought 6 freights instead of the usual 3. Don't put 66s on my site often but thought it was rare to get that lot at Red bank in one evening.
37294 was awesome at the Embsay gala. Never thought I'd see that run again so was a huge pic today that I gained. Couldn't of asked for better lighting today.
Top day all round with a few monkeys in the trees.

Nothin great in this selection of pics until my visit to Peak rail which was at the end of a real big hit and miss month.
The pics of 37025 and 37670 on the donnington trip where bowled by liitle bits of squiffy cloud yet again. I'm going to give it a rest away from the mainline until we get a good clear day of sunshine.
Probably best pic of the lot is 37152 at Peak Rail on the freight, in whch was my 2nd visit to the line in a matter
of wks. Have to say we got lucky with the weather as it cleared up just in time before we packed our bags and headed off home. Big credit goes to the lads at Peak Rail for finishing off 37152 in time for the gala.
With the ELR gala looming and no less than 5 locos visting. Should be a cracker. Nice to hear the Green 50 won't be appearing and from all accounts we may even get 47292 on the blue and greys.
Bring it on ....

1st outing for a while. It was nice to chill out for the day just strollin around takin a few pics of the recently repainted 37152. Will be awesome when its finished. The repaint reminds me of when Crewe used to send the Ex works 37's out on test with no branding on the Crewe - Holyhead test train so still looks quite nice. Pity the bugger failed after 2 trips but by then the sun had died, but still was a good day all round .
Rest of the month Ive been busy with diesel galas which you can never seem to have a bad day. The ELR 37 day was top notch but the lighting at this time of year is very harsh so my pic in the morning of 109 at Ramsbottom with the rusty rails in the foreground wins hands down. A nice typical BR scene.
A super day all round eh nige. Bring on the Keithley froth fest.

Nice to see 401 back on home turf today. Not easy findin a location on this line, from Earlestown to Liverpool the line is wall to wall with trees. I managed to find this location (A bit of tree climbing mind) but would of been worth it if i hadnt been done in by the squiff in the clouds. Was in the sun in the zoomed shot but at least its a new location in the memory bank. Ive also added a Steam shot with the help of Nigel Valentine. The sun was lost so his idea to attempt a Silhouette. Quite nice i have to admit but the Id have to say RSG wins hands down on the BR blue rake at lower burrs another Tree shot for this location. Anyone gonna give me some Danger money. . . . . : )

If only 37194 had a load today. Would of kept me happy for wks. Its a great place Docker but naff all comes through these days. I will be back though for a tour or 2 this year. The only highlight this month is the looming ELR gala and that looks like it could be full crud all day.

Well this is only my 2nd outing this year which just goes to show how motivated i am at the minute with this deteorating hobby. Have to say the 86 looked top notch today and I was a little unlucky with the weather. The further south you went on the return working the better the weather got. I just wished i stayed at home and gone to Red bank for the evening . Would of been a hell of a alot better than the pics on show here. Febs always a good month usually so hopefully this is the start off things to come : ) Ive added some pics from my dads depot which he took when on shift. 57304 was undergoing a C6 exam bodylift so a few shots were taken for people that never get to see these sort of things. I was heading for Pleasington for the 20's on the Spitfire tour but as the cloud looked pretty bad I headed further west as it seemed more clearer towards Bamber Bridge, the shadow in the pic is a eye sore but the 300mm zoom pic is the works : )

This is my first outing for over month as the hobby gets bleaker by the day. The pic aint the best but its the lighting of the pic which makes it incredible good. Pity the Yellow beasties didnt come down the fast, cant be long now for these to see some work on the autoballasters but March cant come soon enough till we get a 37/4 back on our patch.... : ) excuse the pic of the unit but the lighting was that good it had to be added.

As soon as i got the nod 60054 was on the Ore circuit I thought I would kill 2 birds with one Stone and hope for the Grey 56 on the Steel. I wasnt Impressed when 56312 ( Mr Blobby) was thrown on the job but still it sounded top notch as it battered its way up from Barnetby. Its getting a bit much when the only things to go for are Type 5's but this one in petrol livery had to be done. With 37406 set for a comeback its not all doom and gloom....

This as got to be my favourite working at the moment the 6k31 Folly lane - Stoke marcroft working. The consist is like dipping your hand into a bag of sweets and sayin that'll do nicely. im not to keen on the sleeper coach but it must go down as one of the most odd ball consists Ive fotted for some time, locations are few and far between on this section at alsager so Im quite chuffed with the shot. im just glad the curse of 417 as ended, it might be something to do with the fact they removed the nameplates but what the hell its nailed at last..... : )

Well when I set off this morning I thought I had the shot in the bag especially with the the weather as it was. For an hour I was sat in full sun at Pleasington until the bugger came. Ah well you cant have um all. A quick dash to man vic for a back lit shot of 6E33 with the famous dou at the helm had to be done. Better luck tomorrow...

Before you think ive started fottin sheds. The Shed shot is only in there as its a new location I visited and a few select few wanted to check it out. Back to the real stuff. 37401 seems to have a booked stop at Wigan North Western with the 6F42 Blackburn - Arpley these days as the shunter lives in Wigan. Cue Clag... and Noise as you can see in these 2 pics.... : )

Full Brekky. Full Sun . Full Thrash was the order for the day on Wednesday as 40135 was on the diesel diagram sporting new yellow warning panels. The difference it makes is there to see. With 40145 down for repainting in BR Green next year. It looks like we could be in for a Double Green Beastie treat....

With us ducking showers like cannon fodder it was a real suprise to nail anything in the sun. So to get what I did on the Saturday was pretty good. A bash in the morning on 906 and the Western got the cob webs off my camera as I tried to adjust coming back from my hols. July is always the same RAIN RAIN RA|IN. when are the ELR going to move the main event to May or even October for a change......
Ive also added some shots of 87002 making its debut. Whilst that was running i tried in vain to nail 37422 on the Blackburn but once again the weather played its part in Bowling me again. Better luck next time

With all the hoardes decending down to the Keighley gala I decided to opt for the Deltic on the diesel diagram. Not by choice though I have to admit. A mixture of getting up late (Sorry Nige) and the weather forecast ended up with us throwin our weight towards the ELR. Glad I did it as they are the best set off fots for some time. Its as near as you could get to how it used to be on the mainline. Grimy Oily Claggin like a good un with matchin stock and weather to match. Absolute Magic.

As soon as I got the nod 401 was running late i thought id try my luck at Buxworth cutting. After tirelessly hacking down trees in the cutting at the location that I wanted the sun didnt move on the nose till at least 3pm. So heres my rushed attempt further round the curve. Some more quick hacking at the trees before I got the nod it had departed Peak Forest and here is the finished shot. Another hour and I would of had it in the cutting but at least the sun played its part for this one thats the main thing.... : )
Ive Also included some pics of ROARIN 40's on the RHTT trains at the ELR it was nice to turn the Blackberry off for few days. Im get sick of hearin about 66 this and 60 that. Wonder What next they will be frothin over . It makes me Glad this place is a stones throw away from home. Its bloody magic.......

How Virgin trains should be. After shivering for 45 mins in a snow storm the snow stopped. The 37s then passed. Then clear skys appeared to really piss me off for the rest of the day. You cant get them all I suppose but this one was a little promising after the previous nights forecast. i wish i got paid for doing my job wrong.....

I cant expect anything else this month apart from crap weather and mega workings. The Spitfire 37s were absolutely awesome. Its about time DRS got there act together and gave the celebs a run out. Just glad they kept there modofied shite at home for this tour. shame about the weather. I managed a shot at Bolton as I was on my way to Blackpool for the wkd. No doubt some lucky git nailed them good and proper on the way back from Carlisle....

After januarys miserable weather i cant seem to miss a fot at the mo. Which is luck Im due. The 6f42 ran 90 mins early at pleasington which spoilt the shot so a quick jocky to winwick with the yorkie boys made up for the earlier dissapointment. Big ta to Nige for the jockey round ELR in the snow on the Saturday. . . .

This was my 6th Attempt at nailing 401 since it came out of store since the New Year. I was a tad gutted I couldnt whilst it carried maroon but what the hell this certainly made up for it. Its a terrible repaint but everyone always looks back at the good old BR days when all sorts of variations of BR large logo blue could be found. It certainly brings back things from the past when small depots could carry out these sort of things to there pet locos. Im not saying it looks great but its certainly refreshing to see Springs Branch trying to give the locsos a bit of personallty. Never thought Id nail one thisw month but looks like the Gremlins have vanished, Roll on Feb . . . . . .

To get a shot in the sun at this time of the year can be Nah impossible but I managed a nice little shot of the 6k41 Valley - crewe flasks at the Valley flask terminal. literally 5 mins later the sun went and that was that for the day. Big thanks to Wilf who help us out for the day. ah well roll on Winter....

This is the first fottin Ive done for over a month. I cant get motivated now 425 as gone back into store. I think prservation will be the way forward from now on. It was wonderful to have a ride behind D335 with the steam heat and as we departed Bury 50015 was sat idle but on full chat as they get it ready for next year. cant wait for that monster to come back lets hope it recieves full dutch with snowploughs now that will bring back the good memories of the early 90's

Two words desrcibe this fot......
MYYYYYYYYYY LOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRDDDDDDDDDZZZZZ.........
Ive only ever bashed 425 on the Ryhmneys. Every time I ventured out for the bugger it rained. Well today got rid of all those Gremlins and was well worth the wait. Thats me happy for the rest of the year now. ... : )

A nice little afternoon brought me to Wigan N W were I fotted 33207 on the stock move back to carnforth. 10 years ago and this would of been one of the workings of the year. The hobby as its good moments as you can see virtually anything anywhere these days but days like this are getting few and far between. ah well roll on winter..............

We are past half way through the year and on the whole I gotta be dissapointed so lets hope the next 6 months improve. Ive managed some belters this year but it doesnt tell the full story. Lets hope August gives us a merry streak.. : )

I THINK JULY SHOULD BE CALLED JANUARY FROM NOW ON................

It all started so well this month with a nice neat and tidy trip fotting the flask traffic on the west Coast mainline. After that it seemed to go pear shaped. Tools of the trade these days when fotting are Brolly, trench coat and a great big pair of F***ing Wellys. Dont forget the beach towel. to dry yerself off after another soakin. Bring on July you never know it might snow..... : )

ts been a slugglish Month in trying to get out for the rare worthy workings, but i still managed a few nice shots this month. The 86 would of been so much better if it had not had 47839 behind it. The nanking Oxford blue spoils the fot for me. Come on Cargo D give us a pair of BR blue 20's to top the owd Can and bring back the good old drag days....... well you can dream cant you !!! :-)

A brief visit to the KWVR with the little un brought a great suprise in that 25059 was making its debut after 2 yrs out of service. It looked fantastic in its BR blue livery and snow ploughs and sounded a treat climbing the hills upto Oxenhope.

What a start to this month. 37410 on the Trafford park to Wakefield freightliner. It amazes me how these locos continue to roll back the years and bring back such good memories of my youth. Wind rain or cloud could'nt dampen my spirits for this one. The driver seemed to be making the most of it as he hammered the horn and the put the handle to full as he stormed through Ashburys. Magic

Absolutely chuffed with the 6Z50 shot. This will probably be up there as one of my favourite shots of all time. The location, the weather and lets not forget the fabulous 47847 which was picked for the job. I wouldnt care if it rained for a month now after this beauty.It really does create a timeless scene !!!. and lets not forget this is 2007 and with only 3 locos in Large Logo running at the time this shot was taken the other two being the 50's it really does put the cherry on top of this fot. Also Big Thanks to Wilf for the times.

Well I hope my luck changes soon. It certainly will be called jinxed January for me. Still i managed a nice fot of the 47 at Shrewsbury on the Blue Pullman in stunning winter light I tried my best to avoid the shadows which can be quite impossible at this time of the year. I suppose its better than nowt! Lets hope Feb gives me more fun in the sun.

A mixed month bringing the year to an end brought 2 50's to the the hills between Carnforth and Settle. I'm just glad I had my vidicam rolling for this one. You could here the thing coming for 10 mins as it climbed up towards the 'S' bend at Clapham. MEMORABLE. ------ Theres also a few odds and sods included in this month.

I did well for this month weather wise as November usually is a tricky month. The Highlight being 37406 on the Folly Lane - Arpley tanks. My Big thanks must go to the Driver. As soon as he entered the slow round the back of Acton Bridge, the power handle was hit to full and the Bling came out. Absolutely Awesome.

My Big Thanks must go to Andy at the Embassy and the nice fellow at the Signal Box for these set of fots. Its the only thing that went right in October. Just Glad I went on the Sunday as the Saturday was a wash out. I will definatly be going again next year after these set of nice fots.

Is there a bigger word than HELLFIRE for this shot of the Deltic climbing the Ski Jump. Ive used it as my title as it as the Wow factor big time. Its gonna take something massive to replace it and just for good measure we had a two engine blast out of Irwell Vale. Thanks to Nigel for the taxiing for this one.

The highlight of this month was the Spa valley diesel gala which had a small impressive line up. With weather to match, it was a great wkd away. The evening Beerex with the two Cromptons thrashing away was fantastic. I will hope to pay a visit next year providing they have another visiting loco.

July normally sees the best of the weather as you can see from these set of fots. I paid a vist to the MNR , ELR diesel galas and also had a very enjoyable day at walsall of all places. Two Tractors in the space of an hour On the Burton trip working and the Engineers to oxford both originating from Bescot really made my Day. The triple headed 31's was running so late i decided to head to work. The tractors will always beat the Peds anyday.

What a month this was. The SDR produced a classic diesel gala. With two Large logo 37's and two RFD 20's this was my diesel gala of the year. Also had few trips here and there, make sure you check the fot of 37411 at Riverside Yard.

It was worth the visit alone to hear a 40 and a 50 tackle green End Bank at the NYMR Im so glad the vidicam was rolling for these beasties. You couldnt have asked for better weather on the Friday and then I enjoyed a bash on the Saturday when the weather was really hazey. D200 was a must for the final ride home which was was absolutle HELLFIRE.

The GWR was fantastic and is one of the busiest diesel galas you could witness. With 6 trains every hour I was able to capture my best pics of the year. The clouds where Blue and Black, the Sun Shone at the right time. PERFECT. I managed to fit in a good bash behind the 56 and the duff. The sound was Awesome in the Tunnels leaving Winchcombe. May also took me down the Marches to fot the 50 on the Easter additionals. It really did bring back memories of my youth with the 50 choking us to death leaving Hereford in the front brake mk2. Ee Those were the days.

The month i want to forget. Dull Dull Dull and more Dull. I havent included any more shots in this month as they are all Drab. I hope for Better luck next Month.

February seen me fot the 40 making its debut for this year after a repaint at Barrow Hill. It looked and sounded fantastic and is a credit that this loco defys the years and puts solid performances that would put most Duffs to shame on the network. Keep up the good work CFPS.

The Winter chills made it not pleasant for standing about so opted for the East Lancs EE Event and what an event it was. D335 making its debut in BR green livery. Harry needles Immaculate 20's and not to forget the 4 x 20's at the end of the day. Absolute Hellfire in the tunnels leaving Summerseat. This for most Railways would be would be considered as there big event of the year and lets not forget the 31 and the Thumper. Magic . Good start to the year, long may it continue.