The Pictures of Simon King http://simonking889.fotopic.net/ 12 rows en-gb 60 Forest Row ramble http://simonking889.fotopic.net/c1745181.html My Dad, his friends and I walked from Forest Row to Withyham via the Anchor Inn at Hartfield along part of the long closed Three Bridges - Groombridge line. The line was closed on the 1st January 1967 as part of the mass closure of railways across the UK when Dr. Richard Beeching was wielding his axe. The majority of the line is now a designated foot and cycle path, and although there is little of note along the route the villages along the way are worthy of a stop off in. Hartfield is home to two pubs serving food, and is home to the 'Winnie the Pooh' shop as this part of the world is where A. A. Milne penned his famous tales of "a bear with very little brain." Withyham is a very small village, with only a small number of abodes plus a church and a pub 'The Dorset Arms'. The pub comes highly recommended and has been in 'The Good Beer Guide' on numerous occasions. Some of the pictures are rather dark, given that it seems that most of these old lines are surrounded by trees. Obviously vegetation clearance isn't what it once was! Monday 24 August 2009: My Dad, his friends and I walked from Forest Row to Withyham via the Anchor Inn at Hartfield along part of the long closed Three Bridges - Groombridge line. The line was closed on the 1st January 1967 as part of the mass closure of railways across the UK when Dr. Richard Beeching was wielding his axe. The majority of the line is now a designated foot and cycle path, and although there is little of note along the route the villages along the way are worthy of a stop off in. Hartfield is home to two pubs serving food, and is home to the 'Winnie the Pooh' shop as this part of the world is where A. A. Milne penned his famous tales of "a bear with very little brain." Withyham is a very small village, with only a small number of abodes plus a church and a pub 'The Dorset Arms'. The pub comes highly recommended and has been in 'The Good Beer Guide' on numerous occasions. Some of the pictures are rather dark, given that it seems that most of these old lines are surrounded by trees. Obviously vegetation clearance isn't what it once was!

The building isn't original, but the platform is as far as I know. This is the site of Forest Row station, now a household waste recycling plant. There were plenty of large stately homes to be viewed from the line, but unfortunately I have no details of which ones they are! Any help gratefully received. I nearly didn't spot this until one of my fellow walkers' pointed it out. We were surprised that a railway enthusiast hadn't nabbed it! This is a milepost, if you didn't know, indicating to crewmen how far away they were from a main station and would then work out how close they were to the next station from there. A closer shot, showing the text to read The route is on a fairly constant uphill gradient for much of the line with some plateaus, as hopefully you'll see in this picture. Hartfield station is now in private ownership, as a day nursery. No doubt the kids pretend to play trains! The nice stone overbridge at the Forest Row end of Hartfield station. A shot through the bushes of Hartfield station. The remnants of Hartfield station platform. This SR concrete p-way hut is still in evidence at the end of what was the Hartfield goods yard. What Winston Churchill left behind in Withyham.

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]]> Mon Aug 24 2009 Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre Rail Gala http://simonking889.fotopic.net/c1725426.html To celebrate the completion of the overhaul of Bagnall 0-4-0ST No. 2067 of 1917 'Peter', our Rail Gala this year was a Bagnall Bonanza. Many Bagnall engines were invited but unfortunately most were unavailable, in the middle of an overhaul or in use elsewhere. In the end, though; Armistice from the Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway, P.C. Allen from the Leighton Buzzard Railway (yes, I know it's not a Bagnall!) and Pixie from the Hollycombe Steam Collection (albeit in bits) attended the event. The day on Saturday was a bit of a downer, with a constant drizzle but the Sunday was far nicer and we had a triple headed Bagnall passenger train in the afternoon. A video of that will appear shortly! Saturday 11 July 2009: To celebrate the completion of the overhaul of Bagnall 0-4-0ST No. 2067 of 1917 'Peter', our Rail Gala this year was a Bagnall Bonanza. Many Bagnall engines were invited but unfortunately most were unavailable, in the middle of an overhaul or in use elsewhere. In the end, though; Armistice from the Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway, P.C. Allen from the Leighton Buzzard Railway (yes, I know it's not a Bagnall!) and Pixie from the Hollycombe Steam Collection (albeit in bits) attended the event. The day on Saturday was a bit of a downer, with a constant drizzle but the Sunday was far nicer and we had a triple headed Bagnall passenger train in the afternoon. A video of that will appear shortly!

Six locos all being steamed up, our new record. Needless to say that the air was thick and the eyes were streaming but the smell and atmosphere was great! Quarry Hunslet 'Cloister' No. 542 of 1891 on what could be her last few days in steam before her ten year ticket runs out. Bagnall 0-4-0ST No. 2088 of 1919 'Armistice' was visiting from the Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway. She was kept in an immaculate condition throughout the event. Orenstein & Koppel 0-4-0WT No. 5834 of 1912 'P.C. Allen' being lit up, she made a fine sight and sound when in motion. Although the sound of the air pump working away when stationary broke the silence. Amberley's flagship loco Bagnall 2-4-0T No. 1781 of 1905 'Polar Bear' raises steam ready for the breakfast train. Bagnall 0-4-0ST No. 2091 of 1919 'Wendy' makes use of the extension chimney. 'Wendy' was only three locos down the build queue from 'Armistice'. The whole reason for this themed event, 'Peter' has just come out of overhaul. There are, as you might expect, a few small niggles to be eradicated but other than that she works a treat. 'Peter''s backhead. 'P.C. Allen''s cab. Having just switched with 'Cloister' and 'Armistice' on the heavy passenger set, 'P.C. Allen' poses on the triangle at Brockham. 'Polar Bear' arrives from Cragside with the Groudle Glen set. 'Armistice' and 'Cloister' await the right away from the guard to depart Brockham for Cragside. 'Peter' descends the bank from Amberley with the two Fauld wagons in tow. In a change from usual running arrangements during the Rail Gala, passenger and freight trains now pass at Cragside. As 'Peter' pulls into Cragside, 'Armistice' and 'Cloister' make ready for departure. 'Polar Bear' arrives at Cragside with the GG set, whilst 'Peter' is ready and waiting for the off. 'Peter' winds his way through the trees on the way to Amberley. 'Armistice' and 'Wendy' pose on the triangle at Brockham. Now for the publicity shots! 'Wendy', 'Peter' and 'Armistice' pose on the newly relaid sidings at the end of the pottery line. Some work is still required here, but they are serviceable. Then, all three went to join the front of the heavy passenger set. 'Cloister' and 'P.C. Allen' detach from the train to allow the changeover from them for the three Bagnall's. All back at Brockham after one hell of a journey! The parting shot.

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]]> Sat Jul 11 2009 An Apple in Cider Country http://simonking889.fotopic.net/c1716519.html My father and I travelled on a railtour behind the new build Peppercorn A1 pacific No. 60163 'Tornado' on Thursday the 18th June from Reading to Minehead (behind DBS No. 67006 'Royal Sovereign') and back (behind Tornado.) Despite missing an air pump failure outside Castle Cary, late running and missing our connection I still enjoyed myself! Thursday 18 June 2009: My father and I travelled on a railtour behind the new build Peppercorn A1 pacific No. 60163 'Tornado' on Thursday the 18th June from Reading to Minehead (behind DBS No. 67006 'Royal Sovereign') and back (behind Tornado.) Despite missing an air pump failure outside Castle Cary, late running and missing our connection I still enjoyed myself!

Upon arrival at Bishops Lydeard, Class 47 No. D1661 'North Star' was attached as a pilot. Presumably, then, the crew of the 67 hadn't driven the route of the West Somerset Railway before. 'North Star' after attachment. The Class 67, No. 67006 'Royal Sovereign', is one of three Class 67's charged with hauling the Royal Train. A view down the train between Bishops Lydeard and Crowcombe Heathfield. There had been an event on the previous weekend, so GWR King 4-6-0 No. 6024 'King Edward 1st' was to be seen receiving attention outside Williton shed. A bit of a hark back to a few years ago found us doing a similar railtour with this loco from Reading to Minehead! Approaching Washford. Walking down the platform at Minehead brought us this first view of 'Tornado'. To meet with current regulations, and inkeeping with the overall look of Tornado, these lamps incorporating ultra bright LED's have been fitted on top of the electric Stones lighting. GWR 41XX 2-6-0T No. 4160 arrives at Minehead with a service train from Bishops Lydeard. The recently installed turntable from Pwllheli. It's shorter than I thought it would be! The brushed steel EWS logo, I wonder how long it will be until it is replaced by the DB logo? The very clean and modern looking cab of the Class 67. Back at Williton, KE1 and GWR 78XX 4-6-0 No. 7821 'Ditcheat Manor' in front of a recently outshopped tender judging by how clean it was. At Williton, we passed GWR 38XX 2-8-0 No. 3850 At Norton Fitzwarren, we passed the partially completed turning triangle... ...and platform. You know when you are in Taunton when you see this monument from the steam age. Due to late running thanks to an air pump fault, we were shoved into the Hungerford Goods Loop when not one, not two but... ...three HST's overtook us. So by the time we got to Reading (including a very quick water stop at Theale) we were twenty one minutes late! Then, after that third HST passed us we were on our way...

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]]> Thu Jun 18 2009 Eastleigh 100 http://simonking889.fotopic.net/c1701781.html 2009 celebrates the 100th anniversary since the completion of the Eastleigh Loco Works. Once an industrious power house where everything could be made in house, from castings to boilers. Nowadays the site is home to Knights Rail Services who maintain EMU's, DMU's and diesel locos in their own right. The May bank holiday was the date chosen for this event, with a smattering of steam locos and a good array of diesels. As soon as I got off of the train at Eastleigh, the first thing to be heard was the distinctive sound of Bulleid 'hooters', a most distinctive sound that used to be heard in the South. Once on site I was amazed at how big the site was, and how many people were milling around. Unfortunately, I noticed the nasty attitude that photographers have towards anyone who wanders into their shot. I feel lucky not to be of their temperament and social circle... Anyway, the pics can tell you the rest... Saturday 23 May 2009: 2009 celebrates the 100th anniversary since the completion of the Eastleigh Loco Works. Once an industrious power house where everything could be made in house, from castings to boilers. Nowadays the site is home to Knights Rail Services who maintain EMU's, DMU's and diesel locos in their own right. The May bank holiday was the date chosen for this event, with a smattering of steam locos and a good array of diesels. As soon as I got off of the train at Eastleigh, the first thing to be heard was the distinctive sound of Bulleid 'hooters', a most distinctive sound that used to be heard in the South. Once on site I was amazed at how big the site was, and how many people were milling around. Unfortunately, I noticed the nasty attitude that photographers have towards anyone who wanders into their shot. I feel lucky not to be of their temperament and social circle... Anyway, the pics can tell you the rest...

Bulleid's finest. From L to R: MN No. 35005 'Canadian Pacific', BoB No. 34070 'Manston' and WC No. 34028 'Eddystone'. DRS 37 No. 37608 in working clothes. The relatively diminutive Beattie Well Tank No. 30587 visiting from the Bodmin & Wenford Railway. LN No. 850 'Lord Nelson' in an immaculate condition revisits her birth place. She just has the look of power. Ivatt 2MT 2-6-2T No. 41312 had arrived dead in train with 'Canadian Pacific' and 'Lord Nelson' the day before. One of three Crompton's on display was No. 33002 'Sea King' in BR Civil Engineers Dutch livery. From L to R: 55 No. 55022 'Royal Scots Grey', 45 No. 45060 'Sherwood Forester' and 52 D1015 'Western Champion'. D1015 'Western Champion' in BR Maroon. Notice the lamp mounted in the headcode display for modern day running. West Coast Railway Company's 37706 & 37516. There was only one Skinhead on display, No. 31108. DRS 20314 & 20305 form a small part of what was a large amount of DRS locos on site. The second Crompton on display was No. 33103 'Swordfish'. Previously in the very nice Fragonset black livery, she has been repainted into BR Blue. A relation, perhaps? A gleaming Foden steam lorry was on display, alongside a couple of other road steam engines in typical working appearance. 73136 'Perseverance' had recently arrived after her stint on the Bluebell's spoil trains to receive attention to her bogies. Alongside is DBS 37422 'Cardiff Canton'. DRS 20309 in one of the many 'shops' of the works. 33 No. D6515 'Stan Symes' recently arrived from the Swanage Railway for an overhaul. Currently sitting on jacks, the bogies are behind and that's her engine block nearest the camera. Heavy stuff! Sadly, some parts of the works lay empty. Class 50 No. 50026 'Indomitable' in large logo BR Blue. A favourite loco class for me are the 73 electro-diesels. This is No. 73201 (formerly 73142) 'Broadlands' and is owned and operated by RT Rail. 50135 has recently been repainted into LoadHaul livery... ...and renamed 'Ark Royal'. Two BR (S) electric units, on the left is 3 Cig 1497 owned by SWT and on the right is 4 Vep 3417 'Gordon Pettitt' owned by the Bluebell Railway. The old with the new... Wessex 442 No. 4422415 in SWT livery joins the 3 Cig and 4 Vep. The majority of the 442's are now based at Stewarts Lane as Southern use them for the Gatwick Express services. M7 No. 30035 from the Swanage Railway has been repainted into Bulleid wartime black with 'Sunshine' lettering, hence her gleaming condition. DB Schenker (formerly EWS) liveried 59 No. 59206 'Foster Yoeman - Rail Pioneer' was the first EWS loco to be repainted into DBS livery. 4 Cig 1881 is owned by Knights Rail Services and is being restored for future mainline use. Another 59, this is the pioneer of the class. No. 59001 'Yeoman Endeavour', owned by the aggregate firm Foster Yeoman. D6990/37411 in BR Green and 37058 in DRS Blue. From L to R: 73006, 73109 'Battle of Britain - 50th Anniversary' and 73119 'Kentish Mercury'.

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]]> Sat May 23 2009 Garden Railways http://simonking889.fotopic.net/c1674399.html My main hobby at the moment is garden railways, or to be more precise 16mm scale stock running on 32mm gauge track. In this collection I'll be adding pictures of my stock as well as those of friend's locos and stock on railways I have visited. Sunday 29 March 2009: My main hobby at the moment is garden railways, or to be more precise 16mm scale stock running on 32mm gauge track. In this collection I'll be adding pictures of my stock as well as those of friend's locos and stock on railways I have visited.

My Roundhouse Katie named 'Peaslake' pauses with the rake of skip wagons. 'Peaslake' and the Mamod SL2 pose. Two locos from the opposite ends of the garden railway spectrum. Andy's beautiful Roundhouse Bertie poses for the camera. My favourite shot from the day, Andy's much modified Edrig and my loco pose side by side. 'Peaslake' shuffles past with the skip wagons. 'Peaslake' pauses briefly beside Edrig.

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]]> Sun Mar 29 2009 Bognor Regis MRS http://simonking889.fotopic.net/c1637702.html The weekend just gone was the Bognor Regis's Annual Model Railway Show. Here are some pics from the Sunday of the event. Sunday 11 January 2009: The weekend just gone was the Bognor Regis's Annual Model Railway Show. Here are some pics from the Sunday of the event.

Dennis Cooke tried to re-enact that famous scene from 'The Titfield Thunderbolt'! The South Downs Light Railway stand. The raffle layout was a great success, the winner has said that he will donate it to the St. Wilfred's Hospice in Chichester. A new trader for our show, Model Enhancements of Aldwick. Our very own Richard Bennett's 009 layout, HMS Rover. It was packed with little cameo scenes. I liked this part of HMS Rover, where the railway runs onto the dock. I tried to get a static shot of Paul Hopkin's 3mm scale layout 'Bigbury' but I had to make do with a panned shot... The O-14 layout 'Norden Mine' won the Ron Maxted award for 'Best in Show' this year, and I think it is a very worthy winner. Now where have I seen that little orange diesel before? This type of pointwork has always fascinated me. One of the two HO layouts we had at the show, this is 34th Street. Something more my scene, the BR Blue diesel era was represented in N gauge on Mallingford Central. The South Shore Group had their layout 'Western Tidewater' on display. A little cameo scene on Western Tidewater. My favourite shot from this set, a Class 50 crosses over the canal on Mallingford Central. Phillip Pilcher's N Gauge layout 'Nyton Hampstead' was on show. It represents a small country terminus somewhere in Devon... The goods yard is kept busy on Nyton Hampstead.

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]]> Sun Jan 11 2009 Christmas in Austria http://simonking889.fotopic.net/c1631123.html Over Christmas (between the 22nd and 28th December) I had a holiday in Austria. The first two days were spent getting there and having a rest day. Christmas Eve was spent at the market in the well known city of Salzburg (birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart), and we took the option of travelling a bit further to the Salzkammergut Lakes, the Mondsee and the Wolfgangsee. Christmas Day we travelled on the 'Gisela Bahn' which uses three vintage electric OBB locos on a service between Kitzbuhel and Zell am See. Boxing Day was my favourite day, travelling from Mayrhofen to Fugen on the historic and well known Zillertalbahn (Ziller Valley Railway) Wednesday 24 December 2008: Over Christmas (between the 22nd and 28th December) I had a holiday in Austria. The first two days were spent getting there and having a rest day. Christmas Eve was spent at the market in the well known city of Salzburg (birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart), and we took the option of travelling a bit further to the Salzkammergut Lakes, the Mondsee and the Wolfgangsee. Christmas Day we travelled on the 'Gisela Bahn' which uses three vintage electric OBB locos on a service between Kitzbuhel and Zell am See. Boxing Day was my favourite day, travelling from Mayrhofen to Fugen on the historic and well known Zillertalbahn (Ziller Valley Railway)

On Christmas Eve, we went on an option to visit the Salzkammergut Lakes. These first two pictures were taken at the edge of Lake Mondsee. The town where these were taken is also home to the church where the wedding scene in 'The Sound of Music' was filmed. An hour or so later found us in the town of St. Gilgen, on the edge of the Wolfgangsee lake. These cable cars went high up above the clouds. Christmas Day in Kirchberg was blessed with snow fall. Kitzbuhel station in the morning. One of my favourite shots from the holiday. A line up of wagons awaits collection, under a light dusting of snow. One of these modern tram/train units arrived before our own train. 1245.04 upon arrival at Kitzbuhel. 1245.04 is owned by the OBB and is one of the oldest working engines in Austria. She was built in 1934 by the Lokomotivfabrik Floridsdorf and is the oldest member of her class. She was in regular earning service with the OBB right up until 1995. This was definitely worth capturing. At the half way point, we had twenty minutes to stretch our legs and take some pics. A head on shot of 1245.04 at the halfway stop between Kitzbuhel and Zell am See. A bit of trickery here, the cup appears to be sinking into the table... The sight that greeted us upon arrival at Zell am See. On our way back from Zell am See to our hotel, we stopped off briefly at a location where these pics were taken. The towers (minarets, I believe is the correct term) of the church in Kitzbuhel. A nice shot down one of the streets in Kitzbuhel. The stream I believe is melted snow off of the mountains, given how fast it was flowing. OK, something else you weren't expecting to see in a set of holiday pictures. Note how all the chrome has been blacked out, and the parking tickets on the windscreen...

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]]> Wed Dec 24 2008 SOS - Save Our S&KLR http://simonking889.fotopic.net/c1586326.html Today I visited the Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway. This line is a 2ft 6in gauge railway, using the same locos and a shortened stretch of line that were used during the line's working life. Alas the line is under threat of closure at the end of the year as the land owners, M-Real, have decided to sell the land the line runs on for development. So this could be the last year of running for the S&KLR. PLEASE support the S&KLR, as it is the only narrow gauge line to be running on the original trackbed from its working life and using all the same locos which worked the line. Visit their website for more details (a link can be found on the left hand side of this site's homepage). The loco's in use on the day of my visit were: Bagnall 0-6-2T No. 2511 of 1943 'Triumph' Kerr Stuart 0-4-2T No. 4219 of 1924 'Melior' Hudson-Hunslet 4wDM No. 4182 of 1953 'Victor' Hunslet 4wDM 'Barton Hall' Sunday 28 September 2008: Today I visited the Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway. This line is a 2ft 6in gauge railway, using the same locos and a shortened stretch of line that were used during the line's working life. Alas the line is under threat of closure at the end of the year as the land owners, M-Real, have decided to sell the land the line runs on for development. So this could be the last year of running for the S&KLR. PLEASE support the S&KLR, as it is the only narrow gauge line to be running on the original trackbed from its working life and using all the same locos which worked the line. Visit their website for more details (a link can be found on the left hand side of this site's homepage). The loco's in use on the day of my visit were: Bagnall 0-6-2T No. 2511 of 1943 'Triumph' Kerr Stuart 0-4-2T No. 4219 of 1924 'Melior' Hudson-Hunslet 4wDM No. 4182 of 1953 'Victor' Hunslet 4wDM 'Barton Hall'

'Triumph' awaits departure with the 11am train for Kemsley Down. In fact, it left ten minutes early so I had to dive into the Guard's compartment! Just before the train left, 4wDM Hunslet 'Barton Hall' arrived with a rake of Chattenden & Upnor coaches. The assistant guard very kindly let me lean out of his compartment to grab this shot down the side of the train. 'Triumph' runs around her train at Kemsley Down, before propelling it into this platform. 'Triumph' just before moving the train into the adjacent platform. This is Milton Creek, just the other side of the security fence at Kemsley Down. It was as if it was a million miles away, as it was so quiet and still. Aveling & Porter Road Roller No. 14044 was quietly raising steam amongst some classic vehicles. The overhead pipework dwarfs the loco. Will the SKLR be around next year to celebrate its 40th year in preservation? I do hope so. The cab of 'Triumph', it is so much bigger than what I am used to at Amberley! Although the locos have coal bunkers, the crew tend to shovel the coal from a pile on the fireman's side. Steam curls around 'Triumph', as she awaits the arrival of 'Melior' from Sittingbourne. The large shed come workshop of the SKLR can be seen in the background. 'Triumph' runs around at Sittingbourne. Hudson Hunslet 4wDM 'Victor' was started up and moved outside the shed earlier in the day. Although fire beaters are carried in the Guard's compartment, if a fire has become well established the wagon on the right is called for. I'm sure it is self explanatory as to what it is! Kerr Stuart 0-4-2ST 'Premier' is seen here in a rather forlorn state. I believe this loco is Bagnall 0-6-2T 'Alpha', with Bagnall 2-4-0 Fireless loco 'Unique' behind her. 'Melior' awaits the arrival of 'Triumph' before departure for Sittingbourne with the rake of Chattenden & Upnor coaches. This last set of pictures have been edited to look as if they are early colour photos. They feature the line around Milton Regis halt, as well as 'Melior' on a passenger train and I feel they convey what an industrial railway should be like.

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]]> Sun Sep 28 2008 Railways, Rain and Yorkshire http://simonking889.fotopic.net/c1574214.html My father and I went up to Yorkshire for a couple of days as one last get away before I go back to college. We travelled up to Northallerton on the Grand Central London Kings Cross - Sunderland HST service, then by bus onto Leeming Bar to travel on the Wensleydale Railway. All did not go to plan from then on... A special steam service was supposed to be running with Standard 4 tank No. 80105 from the Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway, but the fireman was admitted to hospital with an eye injury so steam services were suspended. After a chat with a less than helpful duty manager, then a more than helpful operations manager we were given a lift to Leyburn to catch a DMU to Redmire (a part we hadn't travelled on previously) then all the way back to Leeming Bar. Then we had to use two buses. One from Leeming Bar to Northallerton, then another to Stokesley before getting a taxi to Castleton to stop over for the night. The morning after (Friday) we caught a train on the Esk Valley line from Castleton to Whitby. Here we planned to have a trip on Elizabeth, the only regular operating steam bus in the UK (possibly the world), but owing to bad weather she was not running. This was the second time we have been to Whitby and she hasn't been running! So we had to kill 1 1/2 hours. This somehow went by rather quickly, so we then travelled on the Whitby-Pickering train which the NYMR have so succesfully set up. Our engine was LNER K4 No. 61994 (BR Number) 'The Great Marquess', owned by John Cameron. She is a superb engine, and one of my favourites. At Grosmont, the train diverges onto the North Yorkshire Moors Railway so the train can proceed on to Pickering. As usual, the NYMR has some beautiful scenery and is one of the UK's premier preserved lines. After another three bus journies, we arrived at York to get the Grand Central Sunderland - London King's Cross service to arrive safely home at 2340. Thursday 4 September 2008: My father and I went up to Yorkshire for a couple of days as one last get away before I go back to college. We travelled up to Northallerton on the Grand Central London Kings Cross - Sunderland HST service, then by bus onto Leeming Bar to travel on the Wensleydale Railway. All did not go to plan from then on... A special steam service was supposed to be running with Standard 4 tank No. 80105 from the Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway, but the fireman was admitted to hospital with an eye injury so steam services were suspended. After a chat with a less than helpful duty manager, then a more than helpful operations manager we were given a lift to Leyburn to catch a DMU to Redmire (a part we hadn't travelled on previously) then all the way back to Leeming Bar. Then we had to use two buses. One from Leeming Bar to Northallerton, then another to Stokesley before getting a taxi to Castleton to stop over for the night. The morning after (Friday) we caught a train on the Esk Valley line from Castleton to Whitby. Here we planned to have a trip on Elizabeth, the only regular operating steam bus in the UK (possibly the world), but owing to bad weather she was not running. This was the second time we have been to Whitby and she hasn't been running! So we had to kill 1 1/2 hours. This somehow went by rather quickly, so we then travelled on the Whitby-Pickering train which the NYMR have so succesfully set up. Our engine was LNER K4 No. 61994 (BR Number) 'The Great Marquess', owned by John Cameron. She is a superb engine, and one of my favourites. At Grosmont, the train diverges onto the North Yorkshire Moors Railway so the train can proceed on to Pickering. As usual, the NYMR has some beautiful scenery and is one of the UK's premier preserved lines. After another three bus journies, we arrived at York to get the Grand Central Sunderland - London King's Cross service to arrive safely home at 2340.

DMU Class 101, 101678, stands at Leyburn ready for the off to Redmire. The cab controls of 101678. And taken from inside. A view across the valley from Redmire. This is the most scenic part of the line, as the line between Leyburn and Leeming Bar is heavily wooded. More of the valley can be seen by turning to the left. This part of the line continues on to Hawes Junction (if you haven't been to Hawes, I highly recommend you do), the ultimate aim of the Wensleydale Railway is to reach it. At the other end of the train this time. As with most of the stations along the line, the station building has been transformed for private residential use. We stayed at Castleton on the Thursday night in The Downe Arms. This was the view from the bedroom. The Downe Arms comes highly recommended. Great people, great food and great atmosphere. Oh, and great views! LNER K4 No. 61994 'The Great Marquess' soon after arrival at Whitby. 61994 has to propel the train out of Whitby into the run round loop, before pushing it back into the platform ready for the departure to Pickering. 61994, having run round, makes ready for the departure to Pickering. Looking down the fireman's side at Whitby. The cold weather makes for some nice, atmospheric shots. 61994 stands at Pickering, having just arrived. Not a great shot, but I thought it was worthy of inclusion. 61994 runs round at Pickering.

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]]> Thu Sep 4 2008 The Swanage Railway http://simonking889.fotopic.net/c1566553.html A group of us had a day out on the Swanage Railway and, even though I say it myself, these have to be my best pics today in terms of content as opposed to quality. The locos in use on the day of my visit were: Standard 4 Tank No. 80104 West Country No. 34028 'Eddystone' If you haven't been, you MUST go as it is set in one of the most beautiful places in England. I swear they wanted to call it the Isle of Perfect rather than Purbeck... Friday 22 August 2008: A group of us had a day out on the Swanage Railway and, even though I say it myself, these have to be my best pics today in terms of content as opposed to quality. The locos in use on the day of my visit were: Standard 4 Tank No. 80104 West Country No. 34028 'Eddystone' If you haven't been, you MUST go as it is set in one of the most beautiful places in England. I swear they wanted to call it the Isle of Perfect rather than Purbeck...

I don't just take pictures of railways you know! In the middle of the shot you can see Brownsea Island, and just to the right is Sandbanks. Looking slightly further to the right, the natural harbour goes out to sea. After arriving at Norden, the remains of the long gone clay mine narrow gauge railway can be found with ease. The belt of grass in the middle of this shot curves away to the right to run over the standard gauge line before dissapearing into a copse of trees. The clay mine railway is slowly being rebuilt, including this impressive structure. Zooming in a bit, a Ruston 48DL loco can clearly be seen. A few narrow gauge wagons are just on the approach path to the station. This is the clay mine's foreman shelter. It was moved in one piece to its current location. This wagon has a rather interesting braking system, a wooden block with a metal underside clamps onto the wheels as well as the rail. I certainly wouldn't have liked to have been on it when it was applied! This collection of children's characters were to be found in the station garden. More evidence of the narrow gauge line, trains would stop over the breach in the embankment and dump the contents of the wagons into a lorry below. 80104 moves back past the points to run round ready for a departure to Swanage. The fireman walks back to 80104 after changing the points. 80104 traverses the pointwork at Norden. A side on shot of 80104 as she makes ready for her departure. A short length of track on the bridge at Norden. You can just (!) see a row of trees on the right, which the line followed. A shot of Norden, complete with siding filled with stock being worked on. D6552/33034 stands amongst other disused equipment at Norden. A view down the fireman's side of the loco towards Corfe Castle. The bridge is where the clay mine railway crosses the standard gauge line. A view down the driver's side of the loco, after arriving at Corfe Castle. 80104 after arrival at Swanage. And again, but looking slightly to the left revealing Swanage station's impressive canopy. D6515/33012 'Stan Symes' stands on display at Swanage. Now for some non-railway related pictures. Taken from the quayside, the cliffs that form the bay at Swanage. The Swanage Pier. I travelled on the P.S. Waverley from this pier many years ago (!) to Weymouth. A zoomed out shot of the cliffs. To the left, Swanage Town and beach can clearly be seen. Looking down the track at Swanage. A close up shot of the cab controls of 'Stan Symes'. WC 34028 'Eddystone' took us back as far as Corfe, here she runs round the train at Swanage. The two trains pass each other at Harmans Cross. 80104 surrenders the single line Norden-Harmans Cross token and gains the token for Harmans Cross-Swanage from the signalman. 'Secundus', a 2' 8 1/2 'Eddystone' had just pulled into Corfe Castle when this picture was taken. This coal yard is rare in that it is still in use, and it is based in a station yard. Looking down a line of unused wagons towards Corfe Castle. 80104 pulls into Corfe Castle. My favourite shot from the day, 80104 departs Norden for Swanage in the afternoon sun. At the rear of the train can be seen the recently restored Devon Belle observation car. This is the breach in the embankment at Norden as mentioned earlier. I thought this was worthy of a picture, the path leading down to the large car park at Norden.

Published in The Pictures of Simon King

]]> Fri Aug 22 2008 The Coronation http://simonking889.fotopic.net/c1540989.html The Coronation Saturday 5 July 2008: The Coronation

LNER A4 No. 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' (my favourite A4 I may add) awaits the right-away from King's Cross (more commonly referred to as 'The Cross') with the 0725 departure. A shot of SNG's nameplate, after we arrived at York. As you can imagine, the platforms were packed as people clamoured to get pictures of this event. SNG's cabside number and maker's plate. Her commemorative plaque to show that she too has done a 'ton' (a ton in speed terms means a speed of 100mph by the way!) The 'cycling lion' BR crest, as displayed on SNG's tender sides. A view to the north from the walkway over the tracks at York. As you can see, the weather was dismal at but it cleared up just before we departed for Edinburgh! A shot showing the grand overall roof at York. One of the supporting brackets of York's roof spans. The four A4 line up on the Saturday. A shot of the three A4's in BR livery. LNWR No. 790 2-4-0 'Hardwicke' of 1892 in 'The Great Hall' of the NRM on their turntable. Broad Gauge GWR 'Iron Duke', minus tender, within The Great Hall. This engine is a replica, built in 1985. FR Double Fairlie 'Livingston Thompson' marooned on a piece of track. The NRM has amassed a very nice, and desireable, collection of headboards and nameplates (to be seen later on). More headboards. 1882 built LB&SCR No. 214 0-4-2 'Gladstone''s numberplate. Gladstone wears the associated regalia from when she hauled the Royal Train. NER No. 66 2-2-4T 'Aerolite' from 1869. The wheels of 'Ellerman Lines' are set on electrically driven rollers, so that visitors can see it in motion as well as the valve gear going round. The nameplate on the sectioned rebuilt Bulleid Pacific No. 35029 'Ellerman Lines'. Right up against the wall could be found the 18 inch gauge 'Wren', which worked the Lancashire and Yorkshire railway works. 'Wren' was built, in house, in 1887. The 'ACE' headboard is displayed on 'Ellerman Lines'. BR Class 55 Deltic No. 55002 'The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry' in the Great Hall. The NRM has two Deltic's in its collection, 55002 and the prototype Deltic. The prototype is currently at the NRM's outpost at Shildon. A 5 inch gauge model of LNER A4 No. 2509 'Silver Link'. I like this livery just as much as the BR Blue that SNG carries. In The Warehouse (you can get lost in there!) could be found this mint, unused and in box Mamod SL1K kit. A small part of the NRM's collection of nameplates is pictured here. This board has 'plates from LNER stock, including one of the silver foxes as carried on the body sides of former A4 No. 60017 'Silver Fox'. The original Bassett Lowke 'Little Giant' was, unfortunately, shoved behind a fence with no information boards. Little Giant is to a gauge of 15 inches. SR Motor third brake No S8143S (4-SUB) on display around the turntable. As you would expect in a museum, the lighting was poor in places so this was the best image I could get of LMS 'Black 5' 4-6-0 No. 5000. DRS 37602 was station pilot at York on our visit. The DRS livery has to be my favourite livery on modern image stock. A closer shot of the DRS 'Compass' livery. Class 91 driving trailer at York, awaiting to depart for Kings Cross. No. 60009 'Union of South Africa' pulls into Platform 10 at York to make ready for the departure to Edinburgh. As we approached Tyne Staging Sidings, the Angel of the North could be seen to our right. EWS 66187 was stabled in one of the loops at Tyne. A couple of rows of condemned 37's were to be seen in the yard, apparently they had come from France! Unfortunately, 60009 was failed in the yard with a 'hot box' on the centre driving wheelset on the driver's side. She wouldn't be able to continue onto Edinburgh with this, so an EWS 67 was dispatched from the North to pick us up from Tyne and take us to Edinburgh. EWS 66176 could be seen on the opposite side of the yard with a train of coal hopper wagons. Steam Dreams and WCRC worked overnight and got a WCRC 47 from WCRC's base in Carnforth to Edinburgh to haul us to Tyne Sidings, where the train would then be hauled by SNG to York. 47826 with 'The Coronation' headboard in place. We were stopped on the down line just outside Berwick-on-Tweed, and waited for the National Express service which can be seen on the well known Berwick-on-Tweed viaduct, to overtake us. At Tyne Sidings, the 47 was taken off and replaced by SNG. Unfortunately, it dawned on us that there would only be three A4's at York that day. 60009 can be seen 'dead' in the yard at Tyne. SNG upon arrival at York. A broader shot of SNG. 37602 was still present on the Sunday. A nose and nameplate shot of SNG at York. A 3/4 shot of SNG, with lamps and headboard in place. Another nose and nameplate shot.

Published in The Pictures of Simon King

]]> Sat Jul 5 2008 Hollycombe Steam Collection's Railway Weekend http://simonking889.fotopic.net/c1520130.html A handful of Amberley Rail Group volunteers, including myself, went to the Hollycombe Steam Collection near Liphook to see the visiting 'Palmerston' from the Festiniog Railway on the Quarry Railway. Hollycombe is a steam enthusiasts dream. With steam driven fairground rides, a standard gauge railway, a narrow gauge railway and traction engines a plenty how could you ask for more?! Saturday 31 May 2008: A handful of Amberley Rail Group volunteers, including myself, went to the Hollycombe Steam Collection near Liphook to see the visiting 'Palmerston' from the Festiniog Railway on the Quarry Railway. Hollycombe is a steam enthusiasts dream. With steam driven fairground rides, a standard gauge railway, a narrow gauge railway and traction engines a plenty how could you ask for more?!

This engine was to be found standing outside the shed. It is an 0-4-2 Hunslet, built in 1936 and named 'Josephine'. This was her first public outing at Hollycombe. 'Jerry M', the engine on the left, was built by Hunslet of Leeds in 1895 and worked in the Dinorwic slate quarry near Llanberis. 'Palmerston', on the right, was built by George England in 1863/1864 and modified to her present appearance in 1880. The two engines sit side by side in the main, and only, station on the Quarry Railway. 'Palmerston' makes ready to depart. From L to R: 'Caledonia' was built by Andrew Barclay in 1931. Like 'Jerry M' she worked in the Dinorwic slate quarry. DLR No. 2 (behind 'Caledonia'), 'Jerry M' and 'Palmerston'. This view was taken from the train, when it stops at the former sandstone quarry for a 'blow up'. The small 'display' at the sandstone quarry. This steam powered stone saw was made in the USA. One of the numerous steam powered fairground rides to be found at Hollycombe. Burrell Showmans engine 'Emperor' provides all the electricity for the fairground. This beatiful scale model of a Bagnall named 'Tess', is a semi-permanent resident. This 7 1/4 inch gauge vertical boilered engine, named 'Jennifer', is a semi-permanent resident on the Miniature Railway at Hollycombe. The farm, as viewed from the brakevan on the Standard Gauge railway. A view from the rear verandah of the brakevan on the Standard Gauge railway looking towards the signalbox. 'Commander B', named after the collection's founder, is currently out of use awating an overhaul. She was built in 1899 by Hawthorn & Leslie and worked for the Admiralty at Chatham Dockyards. This diesel shunter, which I believe previously worked in the Ford Dagenham works, is the current engine in use on the Standard Gauge line. 'Palmerston' and 'Jerry M' raise some steam before assaulting the 1 in 40 uphill gradient. This Burrell Gold Medal traction engine was steamed up during the course of the day. A Wallis & Steevens 'Simplicity' roller. 'Palmerston' pilots 'Jerry M' through the thickly wooded part of the Quarry Railway, near to the farm. This view is further round the Quarry Railway, I think this one is better than that of the one at the Quarry in all honesty. This view shows the condition of the track on the Quarry Railway, as well as the abundance of greenery at Hollycombe. My artistic side kicked in whilst wandering along the route of the Quarry Railway :-P 'Jerry M' passes through the quarry with a demonstration freight train. 'Palmerston' arrives at the quarry with a well loaded train. A brass plaque that adorns the cabside of 'Palmerston'. Later in the day, 'Commander B' was moved to the end of the Standard Gauge line, opposite the sawmill. A friend of mine is currently working on this loco. It is to the well known 'Romulus' design, and is named 'Pauline'. This 7 1/4 inch gauge model of a County Donegal railway was visiting the Miniature Railway, along with a sit in tram. 'Bob' is an engine to the well known 'Tinkerbell' design. She was completed in 1981. Another picture of 'Josephine'. 'Palmerston' rushes past with the last train of the day. 'Palmerston' took the last train of the day, the freight train, and stabled it on the siding which acts as the unloading ramp. A head on shot of 'Palmerston'. What is it about this loco that makes it so photogenic?! A side on shot of 'Palmerston' as she sits quietly in the siding. The nameplate of 'Palmerston'.

Published in The Pictures of Simon King

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