Preserved Lines
Avon Valley Railway
Beautifully-restored 1956-built Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST No. 7 'Wimblebury' stands at Avon Riverside on Bank Holiday Monday, 28th August 2023 with the penultimate departure of the day, the 15.15 to Bitton. Photo: Alan Jones.
The Avon Valley Railway shares its route with the Bristol and Bath Railway Path, which is on the UK's National Cycle Network, and seen to the right of Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST No. 7 'Wimblebury' as it approaches Bitton station on August 28th 2023 with the 12.48 from Avon Riverside. Photo: Alan Jones.
The British Railways Mark 1 carriage is the backbone of the country's heritage railway operations. An un-numbered Tourist Second Open (a former LNER designation) vehicle stands in the former Northbound platform at Bitton station on August 28th 2023. Photo: Alan Jones.
The BR Standard 20 Ton Brake Van is something of a design classic with over 5,000 vehicles being built. B954127 was one of the later vehicles, being built in 1958 as part of the 845-strong Lot 3129 (953676-954520) at Darlington Works and seen here in wonderful condition at the Avon Valley Railway's Bitton station on 28th August 2023. Photo: Alan Jones.
Fry's Sentinel-built vertical boilered, chain-driven 0-4-0 spent its entire working life from 1928 to 1956 at their Somerdale works in Keynsham. It led a charmed life after withdrawal, finally arriving at the Avon Valley Railway on 5th September 2010. The locomotive is seen in the yard at Bitton station on August 28th 2023, shortly before being lifted back onto its wheels as seen to the left. Photo: Alan Jones.
08663 was a Western Region engine all its life, being based at Danygraig, Landore, Neath, Canton, St Blazey and Laira. It is therefore fitting that in preservation the locomotive should find a home in Bristol. Here she receives attention in the yard at Bitton station on August 28th 2023. Photo: Alan Jones.
The 14-strong Class 07 fleet was built by Ruston and Hornsby at their Lincoln Works in 1962 specifically for Southampton Docks. 07010 entered service on September 5th 1962 and was withdrawn by BR in October 10th 1976. It subsequently went to the Mid-Hants Railway and the West Somerset Railway before arriving at the Avon Valley in February 1994. Photo: Alan Jones.
The ground frame at Oldland Common has been installed but is not yet connected to the points at the South end of the loop, which are clipped and padlocked for use. The Guard and his assistant have done the honours and step back as Hunslet Austerity 0-6-0ST No.7 'Wimblebury' runs on to the 14.48 to Bitton on 28th August 2023. Photo: Alan Jones.
Bluebell Railway
Dartmouth Steam Railway
On 8th August 2022, BR Standard Class 4 2-6-0 No. 75014 is seen during the running round movement at Kingswear. Photo: Robin Cullup.
The best place to work. A footplate view of BR Standard Class 4 No. 75014. Photo: Robin Cullup.
Approaching Greenway Tunnel on the Dartmouth Steam Railway behind BR Standard Class 4 No. 75014 on 8th August 2022. Photo: Robin Cullup.
East Lancs Railway
Gala Days on the East Lancashire Railway are always a delight. LMS Royal Scot Class 46100 'Royal Scot' has the road from Bury round to Heywood and is given the 'right away' from the station staff on 26th February 2022. Photo: Michael Smyth.
East Somerset Railway
Although of LMS origin, most of the 128-strong Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0s were built under BR, including the beautifully preserved 46447 which was built at Crewe in 1950. Photo: Robin Cullup.
On August 7th 2022, Ivatt Class 2 No. 46447 pulls out of Cranmore station on the East Somerset Railway. Photo: Robin Cullup.
Ivatt Class 2 No. 46447 departs from Cranmore Station on August 7th 2022. The light axle loading on these locomotives made them ideally suited to less heavily constructed branch lines. Photo: Robin Cullup.
Great Central Railway
LMS 8F 2-8-0 48305 has just arrived at Loughborough on 29th January 2022, as two authentically dressed railwaymen prepare to sign-off from their duties. The Great Central run some marvelously authentic period freight trains such as this. Photo: Richard Tremayne.
Cylinder and valve gear detail are picked out beautifully by the autumn light on 1953 Swindon-built Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 No. 46521 at Loughborough on 1st October 2021. Photo: Richard Tremayne.
Derby Lightweight single car unit M79900 was introduced by BR in July 1956 and allocated to Bletchely to work services to Banbury Merton Street. It was transferred into Departmental Stock in October1967, ending its service with BR as a route learning vehicle in June 1999. It then entered preservation and is seen in magnificent condition on the Great Central at Loughborough in October 2022. Photo: Robin Cullup.
Single Car Derby Lightweight No. M79900 stands at the Down platform at Loughborough on 1st October 2022. Photo: Robin Cullup.
Mid-Suffolk Light Railway
Currently the Mid-Suffolk extends for about 500m from a recreated Brockford Halt to a picnic spot at Dovebrook. From here a further 500m extension is in place, with track fully ballasted and fenced. It terminates in a field where a typical ex GER minor halt named Aspall Halt complete with primitive waiting shelter is to be built. Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST No. 1219 is seen running into Brockford on April 1st 2024. Photo: Michael Smyth.
The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway opened in 1908 but closed completely in 1952. It was always an impoverished railway, having missed much of the railway boom but seeing intense use during World War 2 carrying bombs, stores and supplies to RAF Mendlesham. On April 1st 2024, Andrew Barclay No. 1219 pulls two beautifully-restored ex-Great Eastern Railway carriages out of the platform at Dovebrook on its return to Brockford. Photo: Michael Smyth.
A close-up of Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST No. 1219 of 1910, named after the works where it was built, seen on April 1st 2024 at Brockford whilst on loan to 'The Middy' from the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway. Also present on this day were ex NER 0-4-0T 985 awaiting a boiler and 0-6-0ST HC/1604/28 complete with recently its re-furbished boiler after an extended overhaul. The line's own tram locomotive Cockrill/2525/07 was present but not in steam whilst 0-6-0T 'Wissington' was away on loan. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Nene Valley Railway
NIGHT MAIL
Click on the letter frame below to see images of the
Nene Valley Railway's Night Mail event on September 28th 2024.
The six-year, £1M overhaul of LNER A4 No. 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' completed in early 2023 and the locomotive made its first post-overhaul appearance on the Nene Valley Railway at Easter. Immaculately turned out in BR Express Passenger Blue livery, 60007 makes a fine sight as she leaves Wansford station and crosses the River Nene heading towards Peterborough on 9th April 2023. Photo: Michael Smyth.
60007's visit to the Nene Valley Railway over Easter 2023 naturally created much interest! The elegant lines of the A4 are shown to good effect is this side view shortly after crossing the river Nene at Wansford on 9th April 2023. Photo: Michael Smyth.
A powerful view of 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' approaching Wansford on 9th April 2023. With a little imagination, it could almost be 'The Elizabethan' running non-stop from Kings Cross to Edinburgh! Photo: Michael Smyth.
LNER A4 No. 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' runs tender-first out of Yarwell Tunnel with a working from Peterborough on 16th April 2023. Two days later, on Tuesday 18th April, the locomotive left the Nene Valley Railway and returned to Crewe. Later in the year it is due to visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Having run round at Yarwell Junction, 60007 'Sir Nigel Gresley' catches the weak Spring sunshine as it returns to Wansford on 16th April 2023. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Recently-completed GWR Saint Class locomotive 2999 'Lady of Legend' visited the Nene Valley Railway over two weekends in September 2023. On September 15th 2023, the latter of these two weekends, the beautifully-finished locomotive is seen approaching Wansford from Peterborough. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Having exchanged its rake of all-first class continental stock for an all-second class rake of BR Mark 1 stock, Polish State Railways Railways TKp Class 0-8-0T No. 5485 departs from Wansford under the fine Great Northern somersault signals with the 11.35 Santa Special on Saturday 17th December 2022. Photo: Michael Smyth.
On a very cold Saturday 17th December 2022, the steam condenses nicely from Polish State Railways TKp Class 0-8-0T No. 5485 as it departs from Wansford with the all-first class 10.00 Santa Special. The locomotive was built in 1959 by Fabryka Lokomotyw, Chrzanow for the Polish State Railways and worked in the Silesian (Slask) coalfields in Bytom for all its working life until withdrawal from service in 1995. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Danish F Class 0-6-0T No.656 (built by Frichs, Aarhus in 1949) moved to the Nene Valley Railway in 1975 following its withdrawal from service on the Danish State Railways. It began working on the line after its formal opening in 1977 but was taken out of traffic in 1986 with a failed fire box. After a lengthy restoration campaign, 656 returned to passenger service on Saturday 10th February 2024 and is seen at Wansford prior to departure with the 10.30 to Yarwell Junction and Peterborough. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Beautifully restored Danish State Railways 656 is seen on its return-to-service day (10th February 2024) at Yarwell Junction on the Nene Valley Railway, running round the 10.30 from Wansford to Peterborough. Photo: Michael Smyth.
During its working life with the Danish State Railways, 656 would have carried out shunting, light goods trains and passenger workings, as well as remaining ferry duties. On Saturday 10th February 2024, the first day of its return to service after extensive overhaul, she is seen leaving Peterborough with the 11.40 to Wansford. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Complete with the red and white national flag on its chimney, Danish State Railways No. 656 (built 1949 by Frichs, Aarhus) enters Peterborough on Saturday 10th February 2024 with the 12.30 from Wansford. This was the first day back in service for 656 after a lengthy restoration which was triggered by a firebox failure in 1986 and which led to an almost complete rebuild of the locomotive. The result, however, is wonderful! Photo: Michael Smyth.
Later on its return-to-service day of Saturday 10th February 2024, Danish State Railways 656 makes an interesting comparison with Wansford's Somersault signals as it departs with the 14.30 to Peterborough. Photo: Michael Smyth.
North Norfolk Railway
2025 Diesel Gala
In a scene not dissimilar to the latter days of the Mildenhall Branch, Waggon und Maschinenbau railbus E79960 stands at Holt station on June 15th 2025 during the North Norfolk Railway's Diesel Gala. The tail lamp will shortly be taken to the other end and the vehicle will gently glide out of the station, allowing passengers to enjoy the magnificent coastal views on the Poppy Line. Photo: Michael Smyth.
As far as is known, Class 40s never worked on the M&GN line, with its closure on February 28th 1959 (and the remaining section to Melton Constable on April 4th 1964) overlapping with the time that Class 40s were employed exclusively on Main Line duties. Notwithstanding, immaculately restored D213 'Andania' makes a magnificent sight and sound at Holt on Sunday 15th June 2025 during the North Norfolk Railway's 2025 Diesel Gala. Photo: Michael Smyth.
All five of the German Waggon und Maschinenbau four-wheel railbuses were based at Cambridge and worked lightly-trafficked routes such as the Mildenhall branch and Audley End to Bartlow. Remarkably, four survive in preservation. At the start of activities on Sunday June 15th 2025, E79960 stands at Weybourne station en-route from Holt to Sheringham. Photo: Michael Smyth.
English Electric Class 40 No. D213 'Andania' provides a visual and acoustic delight at the North Norfolk Railway's 2025 Diesel Gala on June 15th 2025. Apart from the original allocation of the first six Class 40s to work Norwich to Liverpool Street expresses, Class 40s have never been particularly common in Norfolk, so an opportunity to witness the English Electric 'whistle' was not one to be missed! Photo: Michael Smyth.
Delivered new to Hull Dairycoates (50B) in March 1962, English Electric Type 3 (Class 37) No. D6732 (37032) is always a delight to behold on the North Norfolk Railway. In its customary immaculate condition, showing its livery on delivery with small yellow panels, D6732 comes off Weybourne shed on June 15th 2025 to commence its duties for the day as part of the North Norfolk Railway's 2025 Diesel Gale. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Super-power at Weybourne! Brush Type 2 No. D5631 (formerly 31207) and BREL/General Motors Class 69 No. 69010 (formerly 56065) have just come off shed and have the road to reverse into the Down Platform on Sunday 15th June 2025. Photo: Michael Smyth.
The North Norfolk Railway has a wonderful selection of original and replica Great Northern Railway signalling and Weybourne provides an idyllic location for much of this. Heading towards Sheringham on Sunday 15th June 2025, Waggon und Maschinenbau four-wheel railbus No. E79960 passes the diminutive Down Starting signal as it pulls out of the station. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Waggon Und Maschinenbau four-wheel railbus E79960 approaches Weybourne from Sheringham on June 15th 2025 during the North Norfolk Railway's 2025 Diesel Gala. Milepost forty-and-a-half was measured from South Lynn, including the reversal at Melton Constable. The official mileage from South Lynn to Weybourne station was 40 miles and 31 chains, so the half-mile point would have been 9 chains East of the station, which may be just to the West of the milepost. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Taking water at stations was a once-commonplace sight across the steam railway. On Sunday 15th July 2025, ex GWR 4200 Class 2-8-0 Tank locomotive No. 4277 replenishes its tanks at Sheringham station prior to heading out to Holt. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Far from the steep gradients and heavy coal trains of the Taff Vale, Churchward's powerful 4200 Class 2-8-0 Tank locomotive No. 4277 will have no difficulty lifting this formation out of Sheringham and over to Holt on Sunday 15th June 2025. Photo: Michael Smyth.
As the owner of D6732, Alistair Barham can be rightfully proud of this magnificent locomotive as it perfectly re-creates its 1962 appearance. Apart from the B4 bogie, the rolling stock also fits the period and together the pair make a fine sight at Sheringham on June 15th 2025. All that is needed is a rake of fish vans, which together with D6732 will make the perfect 3V05, Hull to Plymouth fish. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Old and New in the form of Brush Type 2 No. D5631 (31207) and GB Railfreight's 69010 (originally BREL Doncaster-built 56065 and re-built as Class 69 by ElectroMotive Diesel Services of Longport) departing from Sheringham to Holt on June 15th 2025. Photo: Michael Smyth.
The nameplate of GB Railfreight's newly-named Class 69 No. 69010, commemorating 50 years of the Poppy Line. 15th June 2025. Photo: Michael Smyth.
GB Railfreight's support to the North Norfolk Railway's 2025 Diesel Gala was very welcome and was a fantastic example of a modern railway operating company working with a leading preservation society. GBRf Class 66 No. 66714 'Cromer Lifeboat' and Class 69 No. 69010 'North Norfolk Railway 1975-2025' occupy the platforms at Sheringham on a beautifully sunny June 15th 2025. Photo: Michael Smyth.
On April 1st 2022, BR Standard 4MT No. 76084 top-and-tails Great Eastern Y14 Class No. 564 on a Sheringham to Holt working during the Spring 2022 Steam Gala. Photo: Michael Smyth.
The North Norfolk Railway regularly hosts delightful Steam Galas which are never to be missed. On 1st April 2022, former Great Eastern Railway Y14 Class, No. 564 departs from Weybourne with a vintage rake of Great Northern, Great Eastern and Midland and Great Northern Railway carriages. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Displaying 'Stopping Passenger Train' discs, Somerset and Dorset 7F No. 53809 (with 82F Bath shed plate) pulls away from Weybourne towards Holt during the North Norfolk Railway's excellent 'Autumn Showcase' event on Saturday 7th October 2023. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Running non-stop through Weybourne station, BR Standard Class 4 No. 76084 works a Sheringham to Holt train on Saturday 7th October 2023, during the 2023 'Autumn Showcase' weekend. The engine’s boiler certificate was due to expire shortly after this event, which was billed as its last public outing, but in fact it was failed on Sunday 8th October, leaving only GER Y14 No. 564 and S&D 7F No. 53809 to conclude the weekend. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Ex Great Eastern Railway Y14 No. 564 is seen between Sheringham and Weybourne with the North Norfolk Railway's popular vintage train on Saturday 7th October 2023 during the Autumn Showcase event. Photo: Michael Smyth.
The 1904 Reedham Junction signal box, made redundant by re-signalling of the Norwich to Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth lines, was dismantled and moved to the NNR at Holt on 22nd November 2022, in an operation lasting 36 hours. All its internal equipment was also preserved, with the intention to restore it to working condition with computer-simulated block signals. Moreover, it forms the first step in an ambitious project to recreate a station scene and houses, similar to Beamish Museum, including installation of the ex-Botanic Gardens turntable which has long remained stored at Holt. This large project will need grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and other sources and so is likely to take many years. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Northampton and Lamport Railway
The Great Western Railway 6400 Class 0-6-0 Pannier Tank was introduced by Collett in 1932 as a variation of the 5400 Class with smaller wheels, designed for light passenger work. 6430 is seen at Pitsford on the Northampton and Lamport Railway on June 10th 2010. Photo: Robin Cullup.
Severn Valley Railway
The 2024 Severn Valley Railway Spring Gala was held over four days from 18th to 21st April. On Sunday 21st, Thompson A2 Pacific No. 60528 'Blue Peter' was parked on the run round line, adjacent to the museum. This newly overhauled engine, after many years stored out of use, looked magnificent in blue livery. Although not in steam it was on the SVR to accumulate running in mileage, prior to its return to mainline service. Photo: Michael Smyth.
As part of the Severn Valley Railway's 2024 Spring Gala, an attractive pairing of 0-6-0 Pannier tanks Nos. 1369 (from the South Devon Railway) and 7714 are seen departing from Bridgnorth on Sunday 21st April with the 12.05 to Kidderminster. Photo: Michael Smyth.
Although a rebuilt example of a Bulleid Pacific from 1957, 34027 'Taw Valley' has been repainted in Southern Railway wartime livery (black with yellow letters and numerals shaded with green), and numbered 21C127. It is seen at Bridgnorth on the Severn Valley Railway's Spring Gala ready to depart for Kidderminster on Sunday 21st April 2024. After the weekend of 27 and 28th of April it will be withdrawn for overhaul. Photo: Michael Smyth.
A very welcome visitor at the Severn Valley Railway's 2024 Spring Gala was 0-6-0T No 72 'Fenchurch', visiting from the Bluebell Railway, which worked shuttles between Bridgnorth and Hampton Loade. In immaculate condition, No. 72 has steam to spare as it awaits departure from Bridgnorth on Sunday 21st April 2024. Photo: Michael Smyth.