2010's selection of marine related subjects - ships, boats, hovercraft, barges, or even just scenes involving the sea, rivers or canals. As usual, most photos here will feature Portsmouth harbour and the Solent.

The first of this year's new photos: a VERY brief visit to Portsmouth to get my Senior Citizen's Railcard (!!!), and a quick trip to a VERY cold Fratton, just to make sure it worked OK. Sun in the wrong place entirely, footbridge at Fratton only accessible from the street, no toilets in cold weather... I didn't hang about - so there's very few photos here!

Three days in the Emerald Isle in March 1994, travelling outwards via Dun Laoghaire and back via Rosslare, with one night in Limerick and one in Dublin. As well as Dublin, and a visit to Inchicore Works & Depot on 21st, other places visited included Tralee, Mallow, Cork, Cobh, Kilkenny, Ballybrophy, Waterford, Limerick Junction and Westport. Some of the photos here have been transferred from the 'Southern Ireland' collection, and some have been repeated here with better scans. Many more to follow.
*NOTE: As I was on the BR staff at the time, I managed to obtain prior internal permission to visit Inchicore in both 1991 and 1994, and on neither visit was it stipulated that there was any restriction on the publication of photographs, hence their appearance here; this is just to clear up any 'grey area' on the subject.

This is a small collection of photos taken on the two days before heading off to Portugal via Spain; I don't appear to have taken any photos in Belgium on 24th August, but do have a number of Dutch railway pics. I took an overnight train from Amsterdam to Paris, the French photos being taken at Austerlitz while waiting for the 'Sud Express' to leave. The rest of the trip is comprehensibly covered in the appropriate collections. No photos were taken on the return, as my camera batteries had expired, and I'd run out of spare cash!

A run up to Worting in Roger's car in order to get some shots of A4 60019 "Bittern", and to spend a few hours seeing whatever else turned up, which including 57302 + class 321 EMUs, 67008 light engine, an MPV on leaf patrol or somesuch, and a number of freights & departmental trains; plus the usual units: classes 158, 159, 220, 221, 444, and 450. Weatherwise, it was, fortunately, a very nice day for standing on a bridge for some five hours.

My fourth, and final, trip on a DR narrow-gauge system was the 750mm gauge 'Fichtelbergbahn', with a track length of just over 17km from Cranzahl to Kurort Oberwiesenthal (the highest railway station in Germany); the line passes almost at arm's length from the former Czechoslovakia as it nears the terminus at Oberwiesenthal.

The 1000mm gauge Harz Railway was the third DR narrow-gauge line I visited in April 1991; I travelled from Nordhausen Nord to Eisfelde-Talmühle, Elend, and Drei Annen-Höhne, from where I took the branch to Schierke & return, then on to Wernigerode, on 11th April 1991. I disembarked at Wernigerode Westerntor to have a look at the Works yard, then walked to the terminus & depot adjacent to Wernigerode Bf (standard gauge).

The "Molli" was the second of the DR narrow-gauge lines I visited (on the same day as the Rügensche Kleinbahn); this 900mm gauge railway runs for 15.4km between Bad Doberan and Ostseebad Kühlungsborn West, and involves street running in Bad Doberan itself. This is a small collection of photographs, but the visit was very enjoyable.

The 750mm gauge Rügensche Kleinbahn, affectionately know as 'Rasender Roland' ('Rushing Roland' - very apt), which operates between Putbus and Göhren, was the first of four DR narrow-gauge systems which I travelled on during my 10-day escapade at the start of April 1991. I thought that each of these railways deserved its own small collection, instead of being included with the DR standard gauge, which will soon be completely seperate. A number of these photos have been switched from that collection.

A brief but fairly comprehensive visit to a number of locations in France at the start of February 1991, travelling outward via Oostende, although no photos were taken in Belgium. As usual, this was mainly a Depot bash, and included the following depots: Tours St Pierre des Corps, Chambery, Dijon Perrigny, Avignon, Marseille Blancarde & St Charles, Miramas, Toulouse, Limoges, Bordeaux, Lens, and Dunkerque Grand Synth SP. Others were visited, but: a) it was too dark for photos, or: b) photography (and even listing the locos!) was not permitted owing to recent terrorist activity in France. Lots of colour slides will start to appear as soon as I've got my scanner working again...

Four days in France in November 1989, once again a shed bash to all intents & purposes, this time visits included Nice, Miramas, Chambery, Lyon Mouche, Vennissieux, Avignon, Bordeaux, Montrouge, and Chatillon TGV. More will be added when I can fix the slide scanner...

A trip around (mostly) the western half of France by car, starting off from Gosport on Boxing Day, returning late on New Year's Eve. Essentially a marathon shed bash, a good number of SNCF depots & stabling points were visited, including Caen, Rennes, Nantes, Bordeaux, Limoges, Clermont Ferrand, Nevers, Romorantin (NG), Tours St Pierre des Corps, Les Aubrais, Villeneuve St Georges, Vaires, Tergnier, Longueau & Amiens. A number of these photos will have been transferred from other collections, while many are new additions.

The Gosporteers' 2009 'Classic' Car Rally at Stokes Bay was, to be honest, a bit short on both 'classic' and 'cars', there only being about half the amount of vehicles as last year's event, although this year, TWO buses turned up (even though one was Reading No.3, from last year). A tad disappointing really. Still, the weather was fine...

After 18 days away, this was the journey home, all going reasonably well until Clapham Junction, where my designated train, the 20.10 Southern service to Portsmouth Harbour, was cancelled at the last minute. Much panicking ensued, since this was the last service that arrived in time to catch a ferry to Gosport in time to get my last bus. Hmfff. £7 for a taxi - good job I'd kept £15 back! As a result of all this, there was no opportunity to take any pics at Clapham Junction. Still, this was the only major cock-up in almost three weeks. I managed to cross paths with 70013 "Oliver Cromwell" at Bedford!

An afternoon visit to Loughborough GCR; only one train was left to run, so imstead of paying £12 for a quick trip and returning straight away, I decided to pay £3 and just have a good look around the depot & station at Loughborough. Working locos were 42085 & 48305. I've taken a lot of 'general view' type shots of the station & shed, including buildings and odd paraphenalia, as well as photos of locomotives & stock. It's a loooong walk to the ex-BR station....

Another day of flitting about trying (unsuccessfully) to avoid bus replacement services. I'd pre-booked a room at Derby, which was the subject of an engineering blockade from the south, so I stayed on the train from Leicester to Sheffield, suspecting (correctly) that it would pass Toton TMD & yard. Today's visit to the Great Central Railway at Loughborough will appear in it's own collection.

An epic trek around the midlands in order to get from Sheffield to Stafford (where B & B had been booked in advance - for the wrong week!) without having to use weekend bus replacement services.

Today appeared to be the start of the monsoon season hereabouts, so I didn't get too keen on being anywhere other than stations with decent cover, and stuck to just going to Doncaster, Nottingham, and the building site which still constitutes Derby station. Fun, nevertheless, and the sun DID manage to put in a number of appearances after all.

I thought I'd join the teeming throng of gricers at Barnetby station very early, so I was there at 05.30. Alone. So much for those other hardy souls! After breakfast at the B & B, got a lift with Andy Taylor to Knabbs Bridge (good for photos), then back to Barnetby for a couple of hours before taking the scenic route back to Sheffield via Lincoln, Worksop, Nottingham & Derby.

I've never stopped off at Barnetby before, and was looking forward to paying a visit; however, owing to prolongued trackwork between Doncaster & Scunthorpe, only a bus replacement was running. Being less than keen to use a bus on a Railrover ticket, I had to travel via Lincoln, not arriving until 3 pm, so I'd booked B & B at the very friendly and conveniently-situated Holcombe House (recommended, less than 5 minutes walk from the station). Lots of freight workings, not many passenger trains. This is day one; day two will follow suit.

First day out on a 7-day East Midlands Railrover ticket, so I decided to start by making my first visit to Doncaster for about 15 years; the rest I rather played as it happened. A fair amount of freight at Peterborough, but the sun NEVER seems to be in the right place there! A few photos at the start of this lot were taken at Sheffield & Meadowhall Interchange the previous day, when I was flitting around on the splendid Supertram system.

I was whisked off to Kelham island Museum, where a fair number of interesting artefacts were on display, including some transport-related items, hence its inclusion here. To this, I've added some views of Sheffield & some of its buses. Very nice place, Sheffield.

On 17th August I travelled on all the passenger routes on the Sheffield Supertram system, and was fortunate enough to see all 25 trams. Unfortunately I failed to photograph No.120, the only tram in non-standard blue. A number of photos were taken during the week, and have been included in this collection.
Many thanks to Chris & Janet Pearce for putting up with me at their mansion for the duration.

After visiting Barrow Hill roundhouse, we stopped off at Elsecar to see what it consisted of; very interesting place, with a small collection of locos & stock, including ex-BR class 14 'Teddy Bear' 14901 (D9524), which had unfortunately just broken down. Other things of note included a number of road vehicles, most of which were fire appliances.

A Sunday visit to Barrow Hill MPD/TMD, lots of stuff hanging around! Major disappointment was finding that the two Network Rail 97/3's (class 37) here were NOT the two that had been present at the Deltic day the previous weekend, but the same two I'd seen on 6th August at Shrewsbury. DOH! Very enjoyable, even though a fair number of exhibits were off-limits.

A visit to the MOSI for 'The Great Garrett Gathering' weekend; it rained (obviously), but brightened at times up for some slightly better outdoor shots. Things were a little cramped for decent photos really, but a very interesting affair nonetheless. This collection contains a wide range of (largely unknown) transport-related items, from steam engines to aeroplanes, with bicycles, cars, horse-drawn carts, and even a tank thrown in for good measure. A recommended day out. PS: don't take a large bag with you; the lockers are too small - I had to lug a camera bag & a heavy holdall around throughout, very awkward in crowds.

An early morning train from Chester to travel on the Runcorn curve, thence by degrees to Manchester Victoria to cover the Oldham loop before it's closed to be converted to a tramway; then a visit to the Museum of Science & Industry (which will appear in a seperate collection), then from Deansgate to Stockport & Sheffield - my base for the next week.

Decided to try out Tamworth, but wasn't happy with the limited photographic possibilities (can't run up & down stairs any more), so after a spell at Stoke, I spent the rest of the afternoon at Stafford, then back to Crewe to travel on the 'WAG' to Chester behind ATW 57316. Quite a bit of freight at Stafford, plus a 31 on a test train at Crewe; a couple of shots were taken at Wrexham in the morning.

A few hours spent in a couple of locations just south of the neck of Basford Hall yard, also stopped off at Gresty Bridge depot on the way for a quick peep through the fence,

A day spent pottering around on trains (just for a change, mind); mostly everyday stuff here, but managed to find DB Schenker-liveried 37670 at Shrewsbury and the NMT at Crewe, among other things.

I decided to try out Acton Bridge, and spent about seven hours there (not many trains stop there); spent a bit of time awaiting trains at the other locations. Plenty of freight movements!

A casual day out to a railway memorabilia thingy in Stafford, so a few shots of everyday stuff here from the trip.

First couple of days away; no chance to take any photos at Newport on the trip to Wrexham, but a good day pottering around the Chester area the following day.

A good turnout of buses and reasonable weather made for a worthwhile afternoon's entertainment; transport from Gosport bus station was provided by a London Transport RM which, despite the destination blind, failed to arrive at either Marble Arch or Paddington. The journey back, on a Bristol Greyhound coach, likewise ended up at Gosport, and not Chew Magna. You'll probably notice that most vehicles make more than one appearance here - I gave them all another go when the sun's position was better!

A 'Britannia' visiting Portsmouth was FAR too much of a rare event to miss, so I braved the elements to capture the occasion; WCR 37706 features heavily here as well, plus the usual collection of units. Weather cloudy, some sunshine, with the odd deluge. British Summer - don't you just love it?

This year's hovershow at the former HMS Daedelus airfield was moved forward a month to coincide with the 50th anniversary of SRN 1 crossing the English Channel. More of the site was open to the public than before, part of which was given over to hovercraft racing, where the world champions did some hi-speed hovering. I took the opportunity to photograph some of the buildings around the place. It rained, and the open top bus ride home took a while to get going, until it was pointed out to the driver that it might work if he took the handbrake off...

After the visit to Bovington Tank Museum, it would have been silly not to try out the Swanage Railway for the first time, it being so close. Unfortunately it was overcast with a bit of rain. Still....
Thanks to Nev Pearce for having the bright idea & the van, also for the ice cream at Swanage!

A splendid day out to Bovongton Tank Museum, which is home to an amazing number of fascinating armoured vehicle, and I recommend it highly to devotees of military vehicles who've not yet been. We spent around three & a half hours there, and I took about 400 photos, no time to write details of each vehicle; I'll attempt to work out what's what from the museum's website, but if you know what anything is, do please let me know!

With the DaySave ticket extended to Milton Keynes, I gave it a go; most pics here are from Bletchley and Watford Junction, some from Clapham Junction, and a few taken en route at Portsmouth Harbour, Milton Keynes, Gatwick and Three Bridges. Also a couple of shots from the train of new class 378 units at Willesden TMD. Managed to just miss 56312 at MK, and 90026 on Euston-BNS at Bletchley, also 37's on flask at Kensington... oh well, you can't have everything. Plenty of freight here, plus 321/4, 350/1 & 350/2 EMU, among other things. Oh, and one or two Pendos!

A late afternoon jaunt to Eastleigh to try and photograph the DRS class 37 & 47 convoy, hoping for better luck than I encountered on Saturday at Havant. All turned out well; despite arriving about 2 hours late, it was worth it. Surprisingly few were there to capture the event, and the weather was splendid.

Don't be misled by the title of the collection - it's largely uncluttered by engineers' trains, of the three I was expecting, one was triple-headed, early, and had broken down at Havant, causing long delays which reulted in my train arriving in time for me to witness it leaving (too late); the second failed miserably to appear, and finally one turned up around 19.00 hrs behind 66011, I JUST managed to catch it at the station (I'd spent all afternoon on the footbridge by the crossing). FGW 150 233 was the only non-377/450 multiple unit at Havant....

My first trip to Southern Ireland (with a view to trains), travelling via Holyhead-Dun Laoghaire. A frosty couple of days, but a worthwhile and friendly visit; I enjoyed it so much, I decided to make further visits when it might be warmer. I did that, and it rained most of the time....

Off to Belgium & Holland for a few days over the 1989/90 new year, spending the event itself at a hotel in Namur, where we celebrated it twice - once in GMT, and in European time. Pity I wasn't drinking...
This was mainly a depot-visiting trip, in order to find the maximum number of locos & units at the minimum number of locations, since most of the locos/units were at rest. Sort of....
NS and SNCB depots (in the order of visits) were: Zwolle, Groningen, Kortrijk, Schaarbeek Diesel, Bertrix, Latour, Liege Kinkempois, Haine St Pierre, Ronet, St Ghislain, Monceau, Hasselt, Merelbeke, Antwerpen Dam, and Feijinoord. Lighting conditions at some locations were pretty dire, as a result, some of these photos (especially those at latour) leave a lot to be desired, but have been included if their rarity warrants; for instance, I've never seen any other photos of Latour depot!

The sight of the ten dumped narrow-gauge tank engines I found around the dual-gauge turntable at Regua when I visited on 20th May 1991 left a lasting impression on me; they were all still in situ a year later, and, although these visits have been partly covered in the Portuguese narrow-gauge collection elsewhere in the gallery, I felt that this rather sad spectacle deserved a collection of its own. The locomotives themselves are Henschel 2-4-6-0T's, built between 1911 and 1923. Positioning of the locos, for those interested, was (west to east, and south to north): E205, E204, E212, E208, E206, E202 + E201, and E209 + E215 + E210. The 150-ton dual-gauge turntable was constructed in 1923 by Joseph Vogel, Mannheim, Germany.
Here then, are a few photographs showing how it was at Regua in the summers of 1991/92. (The 1991 photos are first, then 1992).

A splendid day out at the Works open day, after a rainy start, the weather turned beautiful, and all was well with the world (with the notable exception of my lower extremeties). All credit to Knights Rail & all concerned with the highly successful event. There were the usual problems of waiting for everyone to get out of the bl**dy way, so (owing to eventually settling for 'oh well, there's only 3 now') there's a good chance that many of you may well find yourself here in this collection! There's also a few pics from Fareham, since the limitations of the Sunday bus service ensured I had a 45 minute wait there. A great day - now I can't walk....

More arrivals at/through Eastleigh today, so I made the effort again, much to the dismay of my legs, feet & back. Today's action included 6O41 from Westbury, hauled by 66030, 59001, 59103 & 59206; 0Z73 from Westbury: D1015 + 73006 (from the SVR); 5Z47 from Swanage with 37706 hauling 34070 + 34028 + M7 53 (30053); 5Z23 from Bournemouth: 3-CIG slammer 1497 (under it's own power, despite 73109 coming from Wimbledon yesterday to haul it); 73235 dashing to the rescue at Windsor; 66039 with 47799 & the last of the Old Oak ECS moves; three appearances by the Euroscout; First GBRf 66703 + 73201, and all the usual stuff, naturally. Of course, on a number of occasions I managed to be in the wrong place, and some trains got in the way at a crucial moment - none on purpose today, happily!
Sadly, I wasn't in good enough nick myself to go for the special workings on Saturday, but I'm off to the Open Day itself on Monday.

The run-up to Eastleigh Open Days, and a wealth of movements for the occasion; today's arrivals featured here were: 73109 from WD, 47580 with 33002, 20110 & D7612 from Buckfastleigh, 37706 with MN 35005, 41312 & LN 850 from the MHR, 66096 with 37422+37411 from the T & RSMD, which then teamed up with kettles 30287 & B4 96 and 08482 for the Works move, 37516 with Queen of Scots stock from Carnforth, and the Javelin move with 395 018. Plus lots of freight. Rest to be added later.
NOTE: Goodwill between railwaymen & enthusiasts took a severe poke in the ribs today; photographers on platform 1 at Eastleigh, patiently waiting for the 66/37/37/0298/B4/08 convoy to move from P3 to the works were livid when the driver & laughing friend of 2B91 16.38 Winchester-Totton unanimously won the Ar*ho*es of the Year award by waiting for the convoy to move before departing (3 minutes late), and going as slow as possible on purpose so that the DMU (158 889) was in the way, preventing those on P1 from dong what they'd been waiting ages to do. Very funny I'm sure, but lacking in any thought for public relations. What a prat.

A nice day for going to the New Forest! "Tangmere" was the target at St Denys, then the Lymington 'slammer' (unfortunately it was blue & grey 1497 again), then back to Eastleigh to catch 37706 with the return charter. I managed to stop off at a few places, so a few photos from new locations at Swanwick and Ashurst (New Forest (formerly Lyndhurst Road), plus Fareham, St Denys, Southampton Central, Brockenhurst, Lymington Town & Pier, and Eastleigh. Thanks to Mick Rowland for the train info.

Having not managed to see last week's 47/50/50/37 convoy, I thought I'd better make the effort today, since 58001 was coming to Eastleigh, 58009 was LEAVING Eastleigh, and DRS 37423 was making an appearance at Southampton with inspection saloon 975025 "Caroline". A worthwhile day, with STACKS of freight workings! Many thanks as usual to Mick Rowland for the train info.

A small collection of photos taken whilst going to the Brijan open day at Botley; since it was a Sunday service, trains don't feature heavily here, but it was an opportunity to capture some aspects of Botley station & it's approaches, also to update the progress of the new lifts/bridge being built at Fareham.

An afternoon spent popping up to Botley for the Brijan Buses Open Day, where a variety of vehicles were on display.

This year's selection of aeroplane photos, taken from railway stations (mostly Eastleigh) when all else failed. I know nothing of aircraft, so if anyone wants to let me know what any of these big silver birds are, I'll be happy to add the information.

No apologies for yet another set of photos from Eastleigh; I WAS going to take pics of 70013 "Oliver Cromwell" at Botley, but would have been stuck there for ages, missing other stuff at Eastleigh, with nothing moving again through Botley until the next Eastleigh train. Just as well; it was packed, and never made the 13 minute stop! Caught it at Eastleigh there and back, although the sun (as usual) didn't play nicely. Not a lot else going on, certainly not loco-wise - DB Schenker 66152 cleared off before I had a chance to take a photo, so just 2 EWS 66's & 08482 about. LOTS of 444s though, and a PAIR of Voyagers together.

Another afternoon at Eastleigh, this time with the intention of catching 'Western' class diesel D1015 "Western Champion" taking a stoneblower from Bristol to Southampton for export. I just managed to arrive in time, then waited about two and a half hours for the light loco return move to Eastleigh T & RSMD. Lots of freight action, and a surprise light engine move by EWS 37406 made my day! Also present were 08482, 09019, 47712 (outside Works - no pic), the usual 66/0 & 66/5 (including 66152 in DB Schenker red livery), Hanson 59104 on stone, and EWS 67001 working the 'Javelin' barriers to Southampton from East Yard. Plus the same old stream of units... Thanks as usual to Mick Rowland for the train info.

Not sure of the exact date, but this was the Summer of 1989, and well over 100 vehicles were on display. Here's some of the photographs I've dug out so far; more may very well appear in the fullness of time....

So far, I've only visited this line once, and here are the results, all taken on the same day, 25th June 1988. More photos will be added as they come to hand.

The only visit I've made to the KWVR was way back - 23rd March 1989. Here's my collection of photos from the occasion. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pics of the very dreadful B & B/pub in Keighley that we had to stay in...
More photos will be added as I stumble across them.

A pleasant afternoon spent in the wilds of remote Hampshire, in order to catch Hastings class 201 'Thumper' 1001, plus a few of the diverted trains unable to travel between Southampton Airport & Central. Four freights & a few Voyagers here, plus a wealth of SW & FGW 158s, and a couple of 150/2s. Only two EMU photos, just for a change! Thanks as ever to Mick Rowland for the train info.

A glorious afternoon for pootling around on trains; it just so happened that the National Measurement Train was also out for an extended pootle in my neck of the woods, so I had to give it a go. Photos of the NMT taken at Hilsea, Fratton & Havant, plus all the usual units from these stations, plus just a few more from Portsmouth Harbour, Portsmouth & Southsea, and Bedhampton. Thanks as usual to Mick Rowland for the train info.

Well. it's finally going to happen - the railway line from Fareham to Gosport is reportedly being lifted during April, so I thought I'd try & capture what's left for posterity. Most of the vegetation has been cleared in readiness for track removal, so the line is, for a limited time, visible again, after being left to run amuck for about 16 years. I've photographed most sections from Rowner to Bridgemary, I fear the walk north from there to Fareham is beyond my old legs' capabilities.
The impending end of railways in the town comes as no surprise; the history of the line, which closed to passengers in 1953, with goods traffic ending in 1969, is a rather dismal affair. Gosport, now with a population of around 77,000, is by far the largest town in England (at least) without a direct rail link, in fact, it's not even possible to get a bus from Gosport TO a railway station, unless you count the ferry ride to Portsmouth (not useful or cost effective if travelling west). The bus station at Fareham is about a quarter of a mile from the station; traffic jams in & out of Gosport at (especially) peak times are truly horrendous, and the long term solution to this problem has been to build endless flats & estates within the town. Classic. This will be a pretty miserable collection...
***STOP PRESS***
Work has now started at Gosport station, whereby much of what's left will soon vanish as the 'interesting bits' will be incorporated into a housing/office complex; pictures of the site taken on 23rd June show a JCB at work clearing the Fareham end of the yard. On the other hand, the trackwork at Holbrook & Bedenham I hurried to photograph in March was still in place on 26th June, and weeds are once again taking a grip.
Many thanks to the site manager Andy Musselwhite for his kind permission to access the station to take the photographs. I will be able to continue to capture the station as it undergoes immense changes over the next 18 months or so. Thanks also to David Maber for his consideration & support.
***UPDATE***
Work on the track clearance/removal has currently been halted (October '09) owing to objections being raised over wildlife issues. I've added new photos of the Stokes Bay branch trackbed etc, and have also inserted a link to an interesting site regarding the Stokes Bay branch, which you can find in the 'Links' box on the left of the front page.
***FURTHER UPDATE***
The appeal against the bus route has failed, and work clearing the trackbed should have resumed by now (November 30th - weather & waterlogged trackbed permitting).
***LATEST UPDATE***
Another objection has been forwarded, and work has ceased once again (@ December 5th).
Trackwork at Holbrook has now been removed, although the track between there and Frater Gates is still in place (25th December); concrete sleepers being stacked in the adjacent compound. Track now removed at least as far as northern Bridgemary.