Odd combinations of motive power were an often controversial feature of the many 'railtours' run for enthusiasts in the final years of steam. Preserved railway 'Galas' continue this tradition - an... (more)

As a teenage youth, I yearned to be able to emulate the monochrome photographic results achieved by my elders (and betters!) published in the railway press of the day. I certainly didn't lack enth... (more)

Benxi steelworks is set on a broad open plain ringed by hills. It is almost unimaginably huge by any standards, extending as far as the eye could see. Expansion of the complex was continuing at a ... (more)

The magnificent and brooding distant North Pennine hills are darkened by a recently passed shower as 'Duchess of Sutherland' heads towards her two hour sojourn at Appleby, some two miles further s... (more)

In 2004 steam still reigned supreme in the colossal complex (and I mean huge) that is Benxi Steelworks. Reputedly the most polluted city on the planet, you didn't just smell Benxi, you TASTED the ... (more)

Coal mining railways often had extensive railway systems. One such was the Lambton, Hetton & Joicey Collieries in County Durham, a collection of some twenty separate mines. Their locomotive fleet ... (more)

'Duke of Gloucester' powers through the glorious Yorkshire Dales towards Gargrave Station in characteristically fine style. The 'Cumbrian Mountain Express' is becoming a regular fixture (thank hea... (more)

On the recommendation of a friend, I ventured out early this morning to this fine location at Hoghton Wood on the western approaches to Blackburn in Lancashire 'Duchess of Sutherland' makes a magn... (more)

A 'mini-gala' at the ELR this last weekend offered the relatively unusual prospect of three locos facing east, including the K4 Mogul 'The Great Marquess'. Here she gets away from Rawtenstall in f... (more)

Even for Britain, August has produced very few days of good weather, sunlight being at a premium. The most recently restored Pacific to grace our rails is seen powering out of Leeds into open coun... (more)

I'd just taken a photograph of the approaching train and then merely turned around to watch its departure. This surreal scene greeted my gaze and without thinking to adjust the exposure I pressed ... (more)

I rather liked the contrast between the bruised and battered lime green front end of a 1950's-built electric and rust-stained SY 0849 built some 20 years later in July 1974. They are caught by the... (more)

After the 'Jacobite' season has concluded, locomotives and stock return from their temporary 'home' at Fort William to their base 250 miles south at Carnforth in Lancashire. The most scenic viaduc... (more)

Inspired by an excellent earlier posting by Fabrice Lanoue (Photo ID 412578), I decided to try a similar view for my last image of the day's charter with the attractive Ivatt Prairie Tank. Luckily... (more)

It's nearly 9pm and the last dying rays of evening sun impart blood red tones to the exhaust of ever-reliable 'Black 5' No.45407 as she thunders up the grade through the suburbs of Leeds heading f... (more)