When presented with a beautiful day, a fine locomotive, superb rolling stock and freedom to roam the GCR rails, the result was a thoroughly enjoyable experience enhanced by memories that kept me s... (more)

Leaving Keighley on a sharp, flange-squealing curve, trains are immediately faced with a 1 in 58 gradient. On one of the KWVR's wonderful 'gala' days, 'Jinty' 0-6-0 tank of 1924 shows her Midland ... (more)

I made it! There was just enough time to get from Elland to Sands Lane at Mirfield and get the camera out before 'Scots Guardsman' came purposefully striding around the curve at Hopton. The train ... (more)

I seldom take photographs of 'modern' traction, but this westbound Class 66 with a train of scrap metal was too good to ignore. Captured in lovely evening light, she is probably heading for the sm... (more)

One hundred and seventeen years ago 52322 emerged from the Horwich works of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway. In this idyllic setting simmering in the late summer greenery of deepest Derbyshire,... (more)

Something of a surprise this evening (following a problem with 'Leander') was the appearance of 'Scots Guardsman' on the Scarborough Spa Express. The last few determined golfers on the hilltop are... (more)

Like a silent sentinel, the girder bridge spanning the River Calder stands alongside the original 1847 stone one. It bears witness to the fact that within my lifetime there were once four tracks h... (more)

I've only visited Peak Forest once before and that was back in February 2011 for the 'Buxton Spa Express' steam special. I was impressed both by the scenery and the railway activity at the huge li... (more)

The short embankment at Moorgates is probably the only location on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway where a silhouette against the evening sky is possible. This, of course, assumes the sun is out... (more)

The neat little Ivatt LMS 2-6-0's are an ideal locomotive for many preserved lines. 46441 was a BR-built example and prior to preservation was to be seen at Lancaster (Green Ayre) MPD. Here she is... (more)

Racing across the gentle South Yorkshire countryside, 'Union of South Africa' is heading along the Swinton & Knottingley route. She is now only about 40 miles from her final destination at York. Q... (more)

Although I'm a dyed-in-the-wool Yorkshireman, for sheer tranquil beauty the glorious valley of the River Dee in Denbighshire, Wales has few rivals. When the elusive October sun appears, coupled wi... (more)

The day of the 'Fifteen Guinea Special' recreation was characterised by brilliant sunshine interspersed with (as here) heavy, threatening rainclouds. Having taken water at Hellifield, 'Oliver Crom... (more)

Fortunately, the Settle & Carlisle route has seen a resurgence of steam specials in recent times. On a dismal day with a howling gale, I decided not to venture much further than the North Yorkshir... (more)

What a difference a day makes! Running slightly early and heading out of Leeds in the most glorious sunset, 'Scots Guardsman' is bathed in the golden evening light that I had been hoping for but n... (more)