Andrew Chambers Railway Photos http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/ 52 rows en-gb 60 Milton Keynes Area October 2009 ****UPDATED 3 NOVEMBER**** http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1767833.html ETL 86s feature along with 57601 on ecs and 86259. More from Chelmscote .... thanks Mark. Tuesday 13 October 2009: ETL 86s feature along with 57601 on ecs and 86259. More from Chelmscote .... thanks Mark.

1 October 2009 56312 passes Chelmscote with the 4Z91 Dollands Moor-Hams Hall 1 October 2009 90044 at Chelmscote on 4M87 1 October 2009 The first of the evening 1 October 2009 325004/5/3 form 1S96 on the fast, as booked, at Chelmscote 2 October 2009 47802 runs from Rugby to Wembley where it will swap places with 47832 and head for East Anglia. 47832 then went on hire to Colas. 3 October 2009 The return Portsmouth-Chesterfield charter ran into trouble south of Tring with 47851 repeatedly shutting down. It stands at Bletchley waiting for 47786 to run round. A quick hand held shot as I didn't expect them to stop. 7 October 2009 60049 is a welcome sight in a hint of brightness at Woburn Sands on the Bletchley-Peak Forest Cemex empties. 7 October 2009 47245 and 37706 pass Wolverton heading for Southall. 9 October 2009 90029 and the WB64 set were out on a test run Friday morning before working the evening relief to Preston. I was bowled on the southbound run, so had to make do with a going away shot. 9 October 2009 86259 works south from Soho to Euston ready to work the 9 October 2009 66536 passes Chelmscote in rather better light with 4O35 to Southampton. 9 October 2009 Part of a trial where the water runs to Daventry rather than Coventry, 92041 heads a lengthy train south as 6A63. 9 October 2009 57601 on 5Z22 from Carnforth to Southall which was the ECS for the 12 October 2009 57601 with the return ecs to Carnforth (5Z30) at Chelmscote. 12 October 2009 Too many shadows to get the autumn colours in the shot as I had hoped, but 56312 passes Bradwell on 4Z91. 13 October 2009 66714 passes Castlethorpe on 4M23 to Hams Hall 13 October 2009 66576 has 90049 DIT on the 4M81 Felixstowe-Ditton 14 October 2009 92019 is in charge of the 6A43 Daventry-Wembley vans at Northampton 14 October 2009 ETL 86702/701 pass Northampton working from Crewe-Willesden prior to working a GBRF charter on Saturday 14 October 2009 86701 Orion more clearly shows the ETL logo. Unfortunately I didn't manage a decent shot of the test run to Northampton on Thursday. 14 October 2009 92026 passes Northampton with the 4O10 Trafford Park-Southampton having been held for the 86s. 14 October 2009 66558 displays its oversize front numbers working 4L90. 14 October 2009 67008 passes Northampton on 6X82 Wembley-Bescot with 5 ex Rover cube wagons and intermodal flats. A similar train ran on Monday behind 66003. 15 October 2009 The Hood and Lady Penelope head for Euston at Chelmscote 15 October 2009 I wasn't going to include this but its a record of the working, 86702 leads 5Z88 from Northampton back to Willesden on the test run. I was bowled by a pendolino on the outward run. 15 October 2009 66704 passes Bletchley with 40802 for refurbshment by Brush Barclay at Kilmarnock 16 October 2009 90047 passes Chelmscote on 4M54 16 October 2009 66730 working the 5Z77 Willesden-Derby barriers to collect a 378. 16 October 2009 90039 was out on the 5N05 Wembley-Northampton crew refresher prior to working the evening relief to Preston 16 October 2009 37601 leads the DRS convoy, 0Z37 from Norwich to Crewe with 37059 and 47802. 37601 returned later behind 47712 with 20301 for company. 16 October 2009 66419 on a well loaded 4M71 to Daventry 16 October 2009 A surprise was 180110 working from Wolverton to 16 October 2009 92031 passes Chelmscote with 4O10. 16 October 2009 90016 on 4M87 in the low sun at Chelmscote 16 October 2009 321417 leads 321413 on the 1624 Euston-Milton Keynes 19 October 2009 57313 passes a very dark and wet Bradwell with the 5S57 Polmadie-Wembley barrier move (actually curtailed to Bletchley) 20 October 2009 The following morning 57313 hauls long stored 321432 from the TMD into Bletchley station 20 October 2009 57313 departs Bletchley with 5O21 to Eastleigh 20 October 2009 Farewell 321432 21 October 2009 Another dull damp morning, newly reliveried 319381 is pushed towards centre sidings by works pilot 08649. 21 October 2009 08649 fresh in Railcare colours but with red buffer beams and rods distinguishing it from the yellow on 08629. Gone is that amazing barrier brake van, or at least the body, the chassis now sporting handrails and making a much smarter runner. 22 October 2009 321416 pulls into Wolverton on the 1053 New Street-Euston 22 October 2009 On hire to GBRF but still carrying the Advenza livery (even though it was never released into service with Advenza), 66843 hauls 5S57 Old Oak Common to Brush Barclay at Kilmarnock with another buffet for refurbishment. 23 October 2009 321431 passes Cheddington on the 1053 New Street-Euston 23 October 2009 90045 follows with a well loaded 4L75 23 October 2009 Off to work the Buffer Puffer tour with 66844, 31190 passes Cheddington on its way from Washwood Heath to Wembley. 23 October 2009 66503 on the 4O35 Crewe-Southampton at Cheddington 23 October 2009 92007 on the 6A63 Daventry-Wembley vans 23 October 2009 321431 once again, this time in the shadows at Tring on the 1334 from Euston. 23 October 2009 66429 with nice autumn colours in the trees on 4M71 to Daventry at Berkhamsted. Sadly the 86s on 4M81 were late and ran in very poor light.

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]]> Tue Oct 13 2009 Milton Keynes Area September 2009 ****UPDATED 5/10/09**** http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1755329.html Milton Keynes Area September 2009 ****UPDATED 5/10/09**** Monday 14 September 2009: Milton Keynes Area September 2009 ****UPDATED 5/10/09****

1 September 2009 90045 approaches Milton Keynes with 4L75 1 September 2009 66728 with 5S57 from Old Oak Common to Kilmarnock conveying buffet 40808. 3 September 2009 180114 had been out on a test run to Stafford and is seen arriving back at Wolverton. 3 September 2009 180114 heading into the works. 4 September 2009 2423 was hauled to Wolverton for refurbishment having been used for a while by Southern in unrefurbished condition. 66730 provided the power from Stewarts Lane. 4 September 2009 In rather better light 08629 leads the unit towards Wolverton works. 4 September 2009 Newly repainted 08629 in the Railcare colours of red, white and blue. 4 September 2009 2423 in front of the almost completed restoration of the former works buildings which are now flats and retail space, including the former Royal Train shed to the left. 7 September 2009 321 workings continue to decline. 321411 departs Milton Keynes on the 1053 from Birmingham. 7 September 2009 Another FGW stock move, 66712 conveys 40806 for refurbishment at Kilmarnock. 5S57 is seen at Milton Keynes. 7 September 2009 The Royal ecs headed for Wolverton shortly behind 5S57. 08629 backs the stock into the loop adjacent to McConnell Drive. 7 September 2009 A very smart looking 08629 runs round the Royal stock before completing its journey to the works. (A lighting tower has been removed from the roof of the 08!). 7 September 2009 Another shot of recently repainted 08629. 8 September 2009 92034 at Castlethorpe on 4H17 Wembley - Trafford Park. 8 September 2009 Last of the class, 350267 on a delayed Birmingham service. 8 September 2009 Its move cancelled yesterday due to coupling problems, NXEA 90001 is hauled north for exam at Crewe by 90016 in 4M88. This must be the best light we have had for a very long time. 8 September 2009 66728 in the early evening sun approaching Woburn Sands with 5X78 from Derby to Willesden. Thanks to John for these. 8 September 2009 66728 pulls away from the signal check at Woburn Sands foot crossing with 378010 between barriers 6376 and 6377 8 September 2009 378010 at Woburn Sands - the latest of the class being released from Derby in a completely random order 9 September 2009 A welcome tug on the Bletchley-Peak Forest empties. 60009 at Old Farm Park frustratingly under the northern edge of the cloud. 9 September 2009 66718 failed on 4M23 on Tuesday. Its replacement was former DRS loco 66410 now on hire to GBRF along with 66401/2. Seen passing Castlethorpe. 9 September 2009 Unbranded 66410 contrasts with 66425 on the 4M71 Ripple Lane-Daventry sugar liner. 9 September 2009 86501 heads north at Castlethorpe on 4M88 Felixstowe-Crewe. 11 September 2009 67012 was a rare visitor with the cement tanks from Wembley to Bletchley. Having arrived on Wednesday it was still there Friday, though in a difficult position for the sun. 11 September 2009 Seen from the Community Centre car park, 08629 leads the Chiltern DVT out of the works 11 September 2009 The livery on the Chiltern DVT is certainly striking, though it has joined the rest of the fleet on WSMR services. 11 September 2009 Unbranded 82302, the former 82151, is propelled under Stratford Road. 11 September 2009 82302/67022 head north through Castlethorpe as the 5Z24 Wolverton-Wembley (Chiltern) which will reverse at Coventry. 14 September 2009 56312 passes Bradwell on the Dollands Moor - Hams Hall 15 September 2009 Another dark and gloomy day, 66728 works a late running 5X78 Shoeburyness to Derby with 378004 and an unidentified and unbranded fourth coach. The unit had been to Shoeburyness for air conditioning tests. 15 September 2009 One of the East Croydon diagrams has reverted to 377 operation, although the other three remain as 350/1s - 377202 arrives at Bletchley. 16 September 2009 86628 and 86612 pass Bletchley on the 4L92 Ditton-Felixstowe 16 September 2009 In stunning evening light, 92031 at Soulbury with the 6X77 Wembley-Mossend 16 September 2009 The remaining 12 car 321 commuter working to Milton Keynes is the 1746 Euston-Northampton formed of 321418/28/33. 16 September 2009 390012 catches the evening sun at Soulbury. 17 September 2009 First of the 319s to leave Wolverton in the restarted refurbishment programme was 319374, recently named after Bedford Cauldwell depot. It is seen passing Bradwell working 5Z19 to Bedford. 17 September 2009 One I didn't think I would see due to a physio appointment, 86101 hauls 86401 south from Crewe to Willesden at Milton Keynes fortunately over an hour early - not the best location but great to see the two 86s. 17 September 2009 319381 replaced 319374 in the works and is seen passing Milton Keynes on route to Wolverton 17 September 2009 321417/413 leave Milton Keynes on the 1747 for Euston. 22 September 2009 66152 in DB Schenker red attempting to brighten a very dark afternoon at Soulbury on the 6A51 Coventry-Wembley vans 22 September 2009 60049 on the Willesden-Tunstead tanks at Soulbury 22 September 2009 Despite blue sky in the distance the clouds overhead got darker. Unbelievably lucky for 86501 on 4M88 catching the one sunny patch of the afternoon lasting no more than a minute or so! 23 September 2009 66138 works the 4H10 Bletchley-Peak Forest empties through Woburn Sands 24 September 2009 A new location for me south of the bridge at Chelmscote, 66712 on 4M23. A very nice northbound only location. 24 September 2009 After some good sunny spells 56311 was just about in the sun on 4Z91, though the rest of the train in shadow...typical! 25 September 2009 66424 passes Chelmscote on the sugar from Ripple Lane. 25 September 2009 377205 heads for Milton Keynes on the one 377 worked diagram from East Croydon. 28 September 2009 31602 stands in the bay at Milton Keynes on the 4Q68 Euston-MK-Euston test train. 29 September 2009 No sun for 86501 as it passes Chelmscote on 4L75. 29 September 2009 A move to the other side of the bridge produced better luck, 90049 on the 4M54 Tilbury-Crewe

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]]> Mon Sep 14 2009 August and September 2009 Out and About http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1752944.html Starts with a few from Leamington - thanks to John F, followed by the "Merry-Le-Bone" charter from Worksop to Claydon. Wednesday 9 September 2009: Starts with a few from Leamington - thanks to John F, followed by the "Merry-Le-Bone" charter from Worksop to Claydon.

27 August 2009 Tangmere passes Leamington with the Victoria-Stratford Cathedrals Express. 27 August 2009 27 August 2009 A snatched shot of 67014 on 1P13 about pass 67015. 27 August 2009 At last one in sun! 66070 on the 4M66 Southampton-Birch Coppice 27 August 2009 47727 Rebecca in charge of a very short 6Z47 Burton-Dollands Moor 5 September 2009 165037 passes Fritwell north of Bicester on its way to Marylebone 5 September 2009 33207 leads the Joint Line Railtours 5 September 2009 Heading from Marylebone to Claydon and Quainton, 37516 leads at Marsh Crossing near Aylesbury 5 September 2009 37516 passes the overgrown platform at Calvert with 1Z37 5 September 2009 33207 trailing on the last leg of the journey to Claydon is seen heading north from Calvert 5 September 2009 33207 leads once more as the train returns to Quainton Road 5 September 2009 33207 approaches Quainton. The train then headed for Marylebone once more before returning north up the Chiltern to Worksop

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]]> Wed Sep 9 2009 A few from Kent http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1748167.html A few days away in Kent including a my first sightings of Javellins on test runs Monday 10 August 2009: A few days away in Kent including a my first sightings of Javellins on test runs

10 August 2009 My first sighting of a Javellin, 395018 passes Newington near Sittingbourne on the 0912 St Pancras-Ramsgate 10 August 2009 375704/602 draw to a halt at Newington with a Faversham service 10 August 2009 375615/616 following close behind with the Dover/Ramsgate service which splits at Faversham 10 August 2009 The Sittingbourne-Sheerness shuttles were worked by a 466, seen on Kingsferry Bridge 10 August 2009 Dwarfed by the bridge towers and with the new road bridge to Sheerness in the background, the 466 heads for Sittingbourne 11 August 2009 375817 arrives at Faversham from Dover to await the unit from Ramsgate 11 August 2009 375616 departs Faversham for Ramsgate 11 August 2009 395016 departs Faversham after a mock station call with the 10:45 St Pancras International to Margate 11 August 2009 395016 departs Faversham for Margate - the pointwork at this end of the station is impressive but a modellers nightmare 11 August 2009 375706 passes Graveney crossing on the approach to Faversham 11 August 2009 395018 with the 17:00 Ramsgate to Faversham at Graveney crossing 11 August 2009 375811 passes Graveney with a Ramsgate service 12 August 2009 395004 and 395003 stand in the sidings at Ramsgate depot 13 August 2009 375616/710 arrive at Teynham 13 August 2009 92026 passes Ashford with the 4E32 Dollands Moor-Scunthorpe steel empties 13 August 2009 67003 and 67017 top and tail the Victoria-Folkestone VSOE at Ashford through the Eurostar platform 13 August 2009 67017 on the rear of the VSOE as it heads for Folkestone 13 August 2009 395017 passes Wye station on route from Ramsgate to St Pancras via Ashford 13 August 2009 Herne Bay sunset - something a bit different! 14 August 2009 465922 arrives at Ramsgate with I think the shuttle service from Dover due to the engineering work between there and Folkestone 14 August 2009 3 car 375, 375307 departs Ramsgate as 395003 emerges from the sidings 14 August 2009 395003 departs Ramsgate for Ashford

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]]> Mon Aug 10 2009 Milton Keynes Area August 2009 ****UPDATED 4 SEPTEMBER 2009**** http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1742949.html Test trains including 1Q16 and steam in the shape of Oliver Cromwell. Saturday 1 August 2009: Test trains including 1Q16 and steam in the shape of Oliver Cromwell.

1 August 2009 350114 awaits departure from Milton Keynes with the Croydon service unusually using the bay. 1 August 2009 The Southern crew refresher with a difference - FCC 377511 arrives on 5Z80 from Selhurst. 3 August 2009 31285 passes Bletchley with the 4Z08 Derby-Euston 5 August 2009 Having worked the first 321 storage move from Willesden to Eastleigh, 57302 passes Bradwell with the 5S57 Old Oak Common-Polmadie barrier move with the addition of 66707 and two more coaches required in Scotland for a FGW move from Kilmarnock 6 August 2009 Highlight of the month, 37609/611 arrive Bletchley in unexpected sun with the 1Q16 Derby-Milton Keynes-Derby test train 6 August 2009 The pair head back towards Fenny Stratford 6 August 2009 Having reversed, 37609 leads up onto the flyover at Bletchley 6 August 2009 Another reversal and 37611/37609 arrive in Milton Keynes 6 August 2009 37609 trails as they cross into platform 2a 6 August 2009 I didn't think the the bay was long enough, but 1Q16 squeezes into platform 2a. Not great for photographs with the mast! 6 August 2009 37609 awaits departure 6 August 2009 Departing Milton Keynes, the pair head for Bletchley flyover once again 6 August 2009 150102 heads for Bedford at Woburn Sands 6 August 2009 A final shot as 37611 leads through Woburn Sands to Derby. Thanks Ian. 7 August 2009 90019 propels the refurbished WB64 set south at Soulbury on 1B44 7 August 2009 A couple of minutes later 90035 heads north in charge of 1G22 1303 Euston-New Street, an extra working prior to the booked Friday relief to Preston 7 August 2009 47826 leads the 5Z82 Carnforth-Southall at Soulbury 7 August 2009 66728 stands at Bletchley with 378008 on delivery from Derby to Willesden 7 August 2009 378008 stands at Bletchley. The rear cab door wide open on arrival which could have been nasty in the tunnels at Linslade or Berkhamsted. Thanks to JB! 8 August 2009 Fortunately running 1/2 hour late or we'd have missed it, 60091 on the Bletchley-Peak Forest at Old Farm Park, running today as 6H10. 18 August 2009 A brief visit to Bletchley sees 66517 on the Crewe-Thamesport passing the Lakes. 18 August 2009 The third storage run to Eastleigh, 57311 Parker hauls 321419/420 south from Bletchley. 24 August 2009 Oliver Cromwell made a welcome return working from Hornsey to York with support coach, seen at Old Linslade 24 August 2009 Oliver Cromwell amongst the weeds at Woburn Sands, thanks Ian. 24 August 2009 Former DRS 66401 on hire to GBRF passes Bletchley on 4L22. 26 August 2009 An unusual move in the pouring rain sees 319s hauled down the branch again. 319370 top and tailed by 66099 and 66180 in the 5Z19 Bedford Cauldwell-Wolverton at Aspley Guise 26 August 2009 66180 leads towards Wolverton, still in the drizzle. 319370 joins 319374 at Wolverton in the restarted refurbishment programme now that 377/5 deliveries have picked up 28 August 2009 47739 worked a two wagon 4Z91 Dollands Moor-Hams Hall on Thursday and is seen returning light to Tonbridge at Wolverton 28 August 2009 Included because the sun is so rare!! 66002 on 6A51. Wolverton has now received London Midland signage and is slowly being painted black, black and more black!! 29 August 2009 No trains over the bank holiday weekend. 66142 stands on 6R06 from Bescot at Wolverton

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]]> Sat Aug 1 2009 Milton Keynes Area July 2009 ****UPDATED 19 AUGUST 2009**** http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1721831.html An Advenza 66 makes an unexpected appearance and steam in the shape of 70013. A belated update 19/8 - I thought I had already done the last few of the month. Wednesday 1 July 2009: An Advenza 66 makes an unexpected appearance and steam in the shape of 70013. A belated update 19/8 - I thought I had already done the last few of the month.

1 July 2009 321436/418 depart Bletchley for Euston 1 July 2009 Bletchley south junction is no more. The pointwork has been partially removed on the down fast to down slow crossover - an end to the long term speed restrictions in sight? 1 July 2009 67025 departs Bletchley with 6A18 for Wembley. 1 July 2009 66722 and a late running 4M23 approaches Milton Keynes 1 July 2009 Missing the sun again! 90029 slows for Milton Keynes on 1G30 1 July 2009 Reported on Freightmaster as being delayed and operated by Advenza due to the 2 July 2009 And then there were three.... 350264 hauled through Bletchley by 67002, just 3 left to be delivered. 2 July 2009 No 4Z91 today, 56312 hauls 56311 north through Bradwell as 0Z56 from Dollands Moor to Washwood Heath. 3 July 2009 Second 321 to receive LM colours, 321412 passes Bletchley on route from Doncaster to Northampton. When 321411 arrived it also had the low number (now replaced) but had the green carried onto the sides and didn't have the black triangle? 3 July 2009 86501 passes Bletchley on 4M88. 6 July 2009 4L97 normally has an electric DIT on a Monday as a positioning move. 66591/90049 pass Bradwell. 6 July 2009 Farewell 321406? Working the 5Z21 Northampton-Doncaster. 6 July 2009 86902/901 returned to Crewe from Ilford and are seen passing Wolverton. 7 July 2009 A couple of MK3 moves to and from Wolverton works this week. 66728 passes Bradwell on 5A22 Wolverton-Crown Point with 10229 8 July 2009 66083 with the Coventry-Wembley vans at Chelmscote. 8 July 2009 In the last couple of weeks before the 321 cull, 321424/423 head for Euston 8 July 2009 66517 passes Chelmscote on the Daventry-Tilbury liner 8 July 2009 82101 leads with 90028 on the rear on 1B50 8 July 2009 Running very late, 67005/29 were out on a 1Q27 Crewe-Euston inspection train with test car Mentor and the EWS executive coaches 8 July 2009 66046 pulls away from Bletchley with the empty tanks for Wembley 9 July 2009 57003 arrives at Wolverton with 5Z57 from Crewe and DRS mk3s 11033 & 11013 9 July 2009 A gloomy afternoon, but 56311 is a fine sight on 4Z91 to Hams Hall at Bradwell 10 July 2009 I had planned to photograph the Leeds-Olympia Northern Belle, but the light was hopeless with dark shadow on the loco, so here is 321428 at Skew Bridge instead! 10 July 2009 66569 on 4L97 at Skew Bridge 10 July 2009 82101 leads 1B50 through Bletchley 10 July 2009 37516/676 work the ecs for Saturdays tour with Oliver Cromwell south through Bletchley (5Z31 Carnforth-Southall) 11 July 2009 Thanks to Jan for these! 70013 Oliver Cromwell passing Soulbury in fine form on the 1Z33 Watford to York excursion at 0640! 11 July 2009 Having shut off, 70013 approaches Ridgmont in the rain with steam to spare 13 July 2009 The Cemex stone ran on Wednesday last week and Monday/Saturday this week. Not only that, but the headcodes seem to change each time. 66184 departs Bletchley on Monday with 4H10. 13 July 2009 At last 4Z91 in sun! 56312 powers through Bradwell on the Dollands Moor-Hams Hall 14 July 2009 I nearly fell off the steps when i saw this in the distance, 60091 on 6H50 at Bradwell - my first 60 in the area since March. 15 July 2009 Not the easiest place for photographs, 321436 is seen on Bletchley TMD in the company of 321407 left and 321429. 321436 was setting back to couple to 321434/5 for departure to Ilford. 15 July 2009 321436 and 321429 stand side by side on Bletchley TMD. Sadly not waiting for the morning rush, but in preparation for leaving for Ilford. 15 July 2009 An unidentified pendolino speeds north at Milton Keynes. In the past I have just taken a much narrower shot from Childs Way to exclude the A5. 15 July 2009 Fortunately on the fast and omitting its booked stop in platform 5 due to late running, 43062/14 head north on 1Q27 from Euston to Crewe. 17 July 2009 321427/416 stand in Milton Keynes waiting to form the 1147 to Euston. 17 July 2009 321416 at Milton Keynes. The 1147 is the only service starting from Milton Keynes between 0800 and 1747 currently still booked for 321s. 17 July 2009 Off to Ilford, 321424/425/437 arrive in Bletchley station from the depot. 17 July 2009 321437 bringing up the rear of 5Z15 on Friday. 321425 in the centre no longer named 17 July 2009 Four of the Nightstar generator vans have arrived Wolverton by road from Wembley. 96374/5 are seen by the works car park. 20 July 2009 2405 departs from Wolverton being pushed towards the main line by 08629 20 July 2009 86501 was a nice surprise on a poorly loaded 4L75 at Soulbury. 20 July 2009 Not the best shot, but it shows 350102 with its 350/2 style corridor door on the north end. 20 July 2009 66712 on a rather late 0L22 to Hams Hall at Soulbury 20 July 2009 92012 heads through Soulbury on 6A63 from Daventry to Wembley 20 July 2009 67027 with 442405 on the 5Z70 Wolverton-Stewarts Lane. 20 July 2009 442405 is the last of the original 442s for the Gatwick/Brighton service, although it looks likely that most of the other stored examples will also re-enter traffic under the new Southern franchise. 20 July 2009 90045 on 4M54 from Tilbury to Crewe. 20 July 2009 66150 on the Coventry-Wembley Perrier empties 20 July 2009 Catching the last of the sun at Bradwell, 66110 leads the 6G15 Wembley-Bescot engineers with 37422 DIT on route from Eastleigh to Toton.

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]]> Wed Jul 1 2009 Milton Keynes Area June 2009 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1712388.html More variety than for many months with classes 20/31/37/47/56/57/66/67/86/87/90 and 92, along with visiting 170s, 377s, a 378 and a 159. The 321 makes its debut in LM colours. Sunday 14 June 2009: More variety than for many months with classes 20/31/37/47/56/57/66/67/86/87/90 and 92, along with visiting 170s, 377s, a 378 and a 159. The 321 makes its debut in LM colours.

2 June 2009 No 6H50 today, but 66037 on 6R50 from Wembley-Bescot with a nice rake of autoballasters makes an acceptable substitute at Bradwell 2 June 2009 4H17 was held south of Hanslope with severe wheel flats on one of the wagons so I moved to Childs Way in the hope of catching a freight on the fast. 221104 approaches Milton Keynes. 2 June 2009 Colas Tamper DR73806 2 June 2009 90042 on a well loaded 4M81 Felixstowe-Garston on the fast at Milton Keynes 2 June 2009 66433 with the Tilbury-Daventry sugar follows the 90 north having crossed at Denbigh Hall 4 June 2009 A day of chaos. 4L74 was stuck on the up fast at Stoke Hammond from the early hours with a defective wagon. 67008 heads south with the rest of the train at Skew Bridge leaving 66037 and the first wagon still stranded awaiting a skate. 4 June 2009 90048 with 86628 on 4M54 at Castlethorpe 4 June 2009 170639, last of the units in Central green & blue and now in XC livery, heads back to Tyseley from Wolverton. After this there were almost no trains for 3 hours due to a power failure at Milton Keynes! 4 June 2009 37038/229 head north at Wolverton on 6K51 7 June 2009 Wrexham and Shropshire 67013 had been used on the Northern Belle with EWS 67008 on the Saturday and is seen working the ecs back to Crewe on Sunday afternoon at Castlethorpe 8 June 2009 More problems following a failed train. 321426 pulls out of the carriage sidings to form the 0954 Euston - Birmingham starting from Bletchley 8 June 2009 350122 arrives Bletchley on a service from East Croydon 8 June 2009 47760 and 57601 head back home to Carnforth from Southall as 0Z80 8 June 2009 57601 at Bletchley 8 June 2009 159107 heads back to Salisbury having received cab repairs at Wolverton 8 June 2009 31285 works south with the Ultrasonic test train, 4Q08 from Derby to Euston 8 June 2009 DBSO 9703 bringing up the rear of 4Q08 8 June 2009 In the evening the train worked back to Milton Keynes, so a brief visit with Mark catches it in platform 2a. 8 June 2009 31285 stands in the new bay awaiting departure from Milton Keynes 11 June 2009 170107 is the latest Cross Country unit to arrive Wolverton for repainting 11 June 2009 Shanks liveried 66522 was an unusual choice for the 4L93 Lawley Street-Felixstowe 11 June 2009 170108 leaves Wolverton in the rain on Thursday, freshly repainted in XC livery. 11 June 2009 153364 slows for Bow Brickhill 11 June 2009 66728 passes Bow Brickhill with the 5Z77 Wembley-Derby barrier move to collect a 377/5. The unit move was cancelled once again! 11 June 2009 Tonight's flasks were a little later - almost 9.20pm. 20304/37069 passing Bradwell in the last of the light 12 June 2009 66534 passes Chelmscote on the 4L93 Lawley Street-Felixstowe liner 12 June 2009 As a result of the North London engineering work, 4L75 is now timed to follow 4L93. 90016 with a much better loaded train than many of late. 12 June 2009 390043 sweeps around the curve at Chelmscote heading for Euston 12 June 2009 321434 on the 12:25 Northampton-Euston 12 June 2009 56312 works south from Washwood Heath to Ashford to take up position for a new Colas intermodal from Dollands Moor on Monday 12 June 2009 66037 heads back to Wembley with 6A43 from Northampton formed of the barriers and brake force runners from this morning's desiro delivery (350259) 12 June 2009 66414 James the Engine on the 4M71 Tilbury-Daventry at Milton Keynes. A clear shot that won't last long with the newly planted trees! 12 June 2009 Having waited for the London Midland service to Crewe to cross, 86501 heads north on 4M88 12 June 2009 92001 makes a welcome appearance on 4O10 to Southampton at Milton Keynes 12 June 2009 A little further up you can avoid the new trees, 350102 leaves Milton Keynes Central 12 June 2009 90019 slows for Milton Keynes on 1G30 to Birmingham 12 June 2009 66192 was in trouble earlier on the 6A51 Coventry - Wembley and was rescued by 67005, seen passing Wolverton 12 June 2009 86610/632 pass Wolverton with 4L92, the only regular daytime 86 working on the southern WCML 15 June 2009 56312 works the first 4Z91 Dollands Moor-Hams Hall Norfolk line train at Bradwell in dreadful light and with just empty flats 16 June 2009 92019 passes Bletchley with a late running 4O10 Trafford Park-Southampton 16 June 2009 43014 leads the 1Q28 Derby - Euston measurement train at Bletchley 16 June 2009 56311 with the return 4Z92 Hams Hall-Dollands moor and a reasonable load, plus a full cab. 17 June 2009 37706 had been around East Anglia with the Railtrack saloon and is seen returning to Carnforth with 47245 for company at Bradwell. 18 June 2009 I have taken very few shots of 6H72 since it ceased being 60 hauled, partly as timing has been so unreliable. 66117 passes Old Farm Park only 30 late, but missing the sun by seconds. 18 June 2009 321411 worked from Bletchley to Northampton on the 17th having had the LM vinyls applied. On its first day in service it departs Wolverton on the 0953 New Street-Euston 18 June 2009 Paired with 321406, 321411 stands at Bletchley on the 1704 Euston-Milton Keynes 18 June 2009 The livery is closer to that on the 170s and I think works better than that on the 350, although the gloss finish shows the ripples in the 321 body side! 18 June 2009 92036 heads north with Ford cars on the 6X77 Wembley-Mossend 18 June 2009 66728 arrives Bletchley with 378013 on delivery from Derby to Willesden 18 June 2009 378013 heading to join 378005/7/15 at Willesden

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]]> Sun Jun 14 2009 June and July 2009 Out and About ****UPDATED 5 JULY**** http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1711857.html Midland Mainline at Wellingborough and Sharnbrook Saturday 13 June 2009: Midland Mainline at Wellingborough and Sharnbrook

13 June 2009 222004 heads north at Irthlingborough Road on the 1355 St Pancras - Sheffield 13 June 2009 43081 and 43044 with a former Midland Mainline liveried set. 13 June 2009 60059 leads the 6M34 Crawley-Peak Forest Cemex empties north on the slow 4 July 2009 Hastings unit 1001 working 1Z82 from Hastings-Nottingham is seen passing Sharnbrook/Souldrop. 4 July 2009 1001 heads north on the slow at Sharnbrook showing the full yellow end on the rear motor coach 60116.

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]]> Sat Jun 13 2009 April and May 2009 Out and About http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1702444.html A rather belated collection featuring convoys to Eastleigh and Swanage, plus a couple of visits to Banbury. Thanks to John, Mark, Rob and Jan Sunday 24 May 2009: A rather belated collection featuring convoys to Eastleigh and Swanage, plus a couple of visits to Banbury. Thanks to John, Mark, Rob and Jan

24 April 2009 1J83 propelled north by 67015 23 April 2009 66504 passes Leamington on the 4O54 Leeds - Southampton 23 April 2009 37423 propels Caroline north through Leamington working the 2Z46 Southampton-Derby 23 April 2009 37423 heads north at Leamington. 23 April 2009 Not quick enough to get to the east end of the station! 66516 passes with the 4O27 Ditton-Southampton freightliner 23 April 2009 220011 pulls away from Leamington 23 April 2009 1P13 heads for Marylebone behind 67012 23 April 2009 82303 propelled by 67013 on 1J82 - a misjudged shot as I hadn't realised a previous shot taken here only had two coaches! 23 April 2009 66114 running around 2 hours late on the 4O21 Burton-Southampton intermodal pulls into the loop at Banbury 23 April 2009 165126 forming the FGW service to Oxford at Banbury 23 April 2009 47749/739 (just about!) on the 6Z48 Burton-Dollands Moor passing Banbury 24 April 2009 66504 once again, this time on the Garston-Southampton liner approaching Banbury. 24 April 2009 168217 passes Banbury stone terminal 24 April 2009 66146 with two flats - presumably a Kineton-Didcot MOD working? 24 April 2009 67013 leads the 07:23 Wrexham-London Marylebone 24 April 2009 66540 pulls into Banbury up loop with 4O54 24 April 2009 66576 on a fully loaded 4O17 Lawley Street-Southampton liner at Banbury 24 April 2009 1P33 heads for Marylebone behind 67012 25 April 2009 The prospect of two 60s at Bromham, but the sun was not playing ball. My shot of 60059 on 6M34 was just about salvaged as shadow fell on the front of the train, but not so lucky with 60011 on 6E38. 7 May 2009 An early evening trip to Oakley courtesy of Rob produced the bonus of 66730 hauling 378007 south on 5X78 from Derby to Willesden. 7 May 2009 378007 at Oakley. 7 May 2009 The main reason was the heavily delayed Swanage convoy from Barrow Hill and Butterley. On one engine but still sounding great, 55022 hauls 45060/26007/20107/31108 as the 0Z26 Butterley-Swanage 7 May 2009 55022/45060/26007/20107/31108 0Z26 Butterley-Swanage. The Deltic, Peak and 31 went on to feature at Eastleigh. 7 May 2009 45060 returning to its MML haunts. 7 May 2009 26007 at Oakley 21 May 2009 158798 passes Stockton between Warminster and Salisbury 21 May 2009 150266 heads for Salisbury at Stockton 21 May 2009 Another convoy, this time for the Eastleigh open day. 47580/33002/20110/D7612 working as 0O47 Buckfastleigh-Eastleigh at Stockton 21 May 2009 33002/20110/D7612 22 May 2009 The following day D1015 hauls 73006 to Eastleigh at the same location having collected it from the Severn Valley.

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]]> Sun May 24 2009 Milton Keynes Area May 2009 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1697253.html 37s on the Bedford-Bletchley, the first 56 convoy, more WSMR moves. The month finishes with the Everton footexs and the WCRC ecs. Wednesday 13 May 2009: 37s on the Bedford-Bletchley, the first 56 convoy, more WSMR moves. The month finishes with the Everton footexs and the WCRC ecs.

1 May 2009 66576 passes Bradwell with 4L97 5 May 2009 66248 on the Willesden - Tunstead cement empties at Castlethorpe 5 May 2009 Another gloomy afternoon! 67012 propels 11029, newly repainted 11040 and 82303 north at Castlethorpe on the 5Z33 Wolverton-Wembley 5 May 2009 86605/610 on the 4M88 Felixstowe-Crewe at Castlethorpe 5 May 2009 90026 was a welcome change with the 6Z77 Wembley-Warrington vans 5 May 2009 90021 took over from 90036 on the loco hauled diagram and is seen on 1G30. 7 May 2009 150132 pulls away from Lidlington 7 May 2009 Managing to successfully avoid the sun, 37218 leads 37602 on the 1Q12 Derby-Bletchley. Thanks to Ian for these. 7 May 2009 150132 returns towards Bedford at Ridgmont 7 May 2009 37602 leads 37218 back through Ridgmont on 1Q12 towards Derby. 8 May 2009 With the main line shut 390011 passes Barby Nortoft on the Northampton loop 8 May 2009 90042 on 4L75 at Nortoft 11 May 2009 Another WSMR move, 67012 leads 5Z33 at Nortoft. 11 May 2009 82303 on the rear of 5Z33 11 May 2009 66517 passes Barby Nortoft with the 4L90 Ditton-Felixstowe. 13 May 2009 350235 stands in platform 6 at Bletchley 13 May 2009 378005 on a test run from Willesden to Bletchley, part of its AC mileage accumulation. 13 May 2009 The stored 56s left Old Oak Common this week, the first convoy passes Bletchley after midnight as 6Z57 from Wembley to Crewe. Thanks to Mark Beal. 13 May 2009 Some such as 56103 appear relatively clean and tidy. 13 May 2009 Others such as 56058 were heavily graffitied. 13 May 2009 After a stop at Bletchley the convoy heads north at Milton Keynes, 66027 hauling 56051/049/103/104/090/060/058 and 032. 14 May 2009 Another unusual visitor to Milton Keynes was 59205, seen (just!) being taken north by 92034 in 6X77 as 82101 and 90035 head south. The 59 was to be trialled on coal workings to/from Liverpool. 15 May 2009 321401/402 leave Wolverton in the pouring rain for Hornsey, with 401 having received FCC vinyls. 15 May 2009 321 contrasts - the FCC livery certainly stands out against the very tired Silverlink colours. 26 May 2009 390045 on the slow at Bradwell 26 May 2009 66588 on 4M94 from Felixstowe to Lawley Street at Bradwell. 26 May 2009 180112 returned to the works from Old Oak Common and is seen heading out of the underpass under the wcml. 26 May 2009 180112 heads towards Wolverton works. Possibly the last time we shall see it in First colours? 26 May 2009 66706 on 4M23 at Wolverton. My last 66/7 for the area - a task that was made much easier after the low numbered engines were transferred to the common pool. 28 May 2009 170104 fresh from its repaint into Cross Country colours heads back to Tyseley. 170639 has arrived in the works to replace it. 30 May 2009 57309 heads north at Bradwell. 30 May 2009 First of the two Everton footexs via the WCML, 67023/005 on 1Z80 from Liverpool to Euston at Bradwell. 1Z79 was 67003/24 and a third train operated via the Chiltern. 31 May 2009 390048 heads north at Gayton on the Weedon line. 31 May 2009 57601 heads back to Carnforth in glorious sunshine at Gayton on the ecs off Saturdays tour from Milton Keynes (5Z65 Acton Lane-Carnforth) 15 May 2009 350255 was delivered to Northampton on Friday, seen behind 67017 at Wolverton in 7X42. 15 May 2009 350255 at Wolverton

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]]> Wed May 13 2009 Milton Keynes Area April 2009 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1679080.html Daytime loco hauled services make a welcome return to the WCML and WSMR 67s make an appearance on stock moves to Wolverton. Wednesday 8 April 2009: Daytime loco hauled services make a welcome return to the WCML and WSMR 67s make an appearance on stock moves to Wolverton.

3 April 2008 The latest desiro delivery, 350250 behind 66008 at Wolverton. 3 April 2008 The mist and murk didn't clear until about 2.30, just about in time for the Royal ecs arriving back at Wolverton. There was a surprising amount of heat haze though. 3 April 2008 66579 passes Bradwell with a well loaded 4M58 from Southampton to Ditton. 3 April 2008 With points problems at Wolverton, the Royal 67s ran to Milton Keynes before heading north to Bescot. 4 April 2008 Once again the Northern Belle and Orient Express were used on Grand National Saturday to Liverpool. 67026 and 67025 top and tail the 1Z73 Victoria-Runcorn VSOE to Liverpool at Bradwell. 5 April 2008 On Saturday a 90 was in charge of the Northern Belle set, but 67029 works the empty stock back to Crewe on Sunday as 5Z70 from Wembley. Seen passing Blisworth. 6 April 2008 After the collision between two pendolinos at Wembley, the 90 has returned with three daytime round trips to Birmingham. After a delayed start the first service was 1B50 from Birmingham. This is 1G30, the 15:43 Euston - Birmingham slowing for Milton Keynes Central. 7 April 2008 One that didn't go to plan! FCC blue 321401 was working to Wolverton as 5M21 from Hornsey but I hadn't expected 321402 to be on the front! They are seen passing Bradwell in a shot that was too tight for 8 cars! A record of the move if nothing else. 321401 has only recently been released from Wabtec, but is thought to be at Wolverton for interior work. 7 April 2008 66516 at Bradwell on 4O35 7 April 2008 66054 at Wolverton once again on 6A51 8 April 2008 390002 passes Chelmscote 8 April 2008 180113 displays the new First Hull Trains Neon livery as it passes Chelmscote on route to Crofton from Wolverton. 8 April 2008 A shot which was much easier when the line first opened last summer is now very tight due to signalling boxes immediately in front of the loco - hence the cropping. 90036 leaves Milton Keynes on 1G30. 14 April 2009 Another LM strike day. 67024 leads 2405 on the 5Z67 Lovers Walk to Wolverton over an hour early at Bradwell. Too early for the sun too. 14 April 2009 66130 on the Willesden - Tunstead at Bradwell. 14 April 2009 66535 on a well loaded 4M58 Southampton - Ditton at Bradwell 14 April 2009 90036 continues on the loco hauled diagram, about to brake hard for Milton Keynes on 1B50 from Birmingham 15 April 2009 350249 passes Soulbury Road complete with the hideous blue drain covers. 15 April 2009 A first decent shot of 86501 in a long time, she is working a late running 4M81 from Felixstowe to Garston. 15 April 2009 321411 and 321419 head for Euston. 15 April 2009 90047 with 4M87 to Trafford Park 15 April 2009 No 6L42 today, just 92017/041 light engine 15 April 2009 350232 at Soulbury Road 15 April 2009 One of those occasions when I cursed seeing the NMT and liner together, but with a pleasing result. The NMT on 1Q27 back to Crewe overtaking 90044 on 4M88. 15 April 2009 43062 leads the 1Q27 Euston-Crewe with 43014 on the rear. 15 April 2009 A few minutes behind the NMT, 90036 on 1G30 from Euston to New Street approaches Soulbury Road. 15 April 2009 321421 and 321409 head north 20 April 2009 67001 returns to Wembley with the 6A43 Northampton-Wembley barrier move having delivered 350252 20 April 2009 350250 passes Wolverton, latest of the class to enter passenger service 20 April 2009 66558/559 are recent transfers from heavy haul to intermodal for the north London line engineering. 66559 on 4L57 at Wolverton. 20 April 2009 90024 heads for Wembley to take up duties on the sleeper services. 20 April 2009 66116 on a Bescot - Forders engineers at Wolverton. Trains to Forders have restarted as the site is being cleared. 20 April 2009 82101 leads 1B50 from New Street at Wolverton with 90036 out of sight on the rear. 20 April 2009 Smoking heavily all week, 66720 on 4M23 at Bradwell 20 April 2009 321410 passes Bradwell on a Birmingham service. 20 April 2009 390016 was one of several pendolinos to cross to the slow at Milton Keynes 20 April 2009 86621 and 86632 are a nice sight at Bradwell with the retimed 4M88 Felixstowe-Crewe liner 20 April 2009 90036 departs Milton Keynes with the 1G30 Euston-New Street (seen from next to Portway bridge) 22 April 2009 67010 arrives at Wolverton with restaurant car 10257 from Wembley Chiltern line depot 22 April 2009 Arriving at almost the same time as the 67 was 159107 for cab repairs. It is seen passing under Stratford Road having worked as 5Z59 from Salisbury. 22 April 2009 Following the 159 down the line into the works, 08649 with 10257. 27 April 2009 180107 passes Bradwell in the rain, heading for Crofton to join the Hull Trains fleet replacing 222104. 27 April 2009 Still with heavy haul, but on hire, 66552 on 4L93 to Felixstowe. 27 April 2009 67005 with an unusual working, 6Z50 from Northampton to Wembley with the engineers wagons which are often used as brake force runners and two old EWS barrier vans. 27 April 2009 90019 has taken over on the Birmingham service, seen heading south on 1B50 at Wolverton 28 April 2009 67010 arrives at Wolverton to collect 10257, this time with a DVT allowing reversal at Coventry. 28 April 2009 31233/6262/999605/9702 formed 4Q08 from Derby-Bletchley the previous evening and are stabled in engineers sidings adjacent to the TMD with a rather strange lighting effect after a downpour. 28 April 2009 31233 stands next to the deserted TMD. 30 April 2009 350253 and 350254 were delivered on consecutive days. 350253 was hauled by 67029 and is seen passing Bletchley. 8 April 2008 90036 pulls away from Milton Keynes about 5 minutes late on 1G30 to Birmingham

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]]> Wed Apr 8 2009 Milton Keynes Area March 2009 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1667178.html Colas 47s and a WCRC 37 are the highlight in March, as the Southern 377s prepare to hand over to the 350s on the East Croydon service. Saturday 14 March 2009: Colas 47s and a WCRC 37 are the highlight in March, as the Southern 377s prepare to hand over to the 350s on the East Croydon service.

1 March 2009 Running around 30 late after problems with 47802, 47832 and 47802 head the 1Z95 Manchester-Wembley footex at Chelmscote 2 March 2009 Heading south for the start of the new Colas steel contract, Robin and Rebecca (47739 & 47727) pass Bradwell working 0Z47 from Rugby to Tonbridge. 2 March 2009 66250 catches the sun at Wolverton on the Coventry-Wembley vans 2 March 2009 Nothing unusual about class 57 light engines, but 57304/310 have Arriva liveried 57315 for company heading for Wembley for tyre turning as 0T49 from Longsight. 2 March 2009 57315 showing off its Arriva Wales livery at Wolverton, sadly the sun didn't hold for this! 2 March 2009 I never managed a decent shot of 66405 in Malcolms livery, but this is the replacement - 66412 on 4M71 at Bradwell. 3 March 2009 66533 passes Bradwell on 4L97, normally a solid class 90 turn. 4 March 2009 With the 377/2s due to be replaced by 350/1s on the Croydon service from 16 March, 377214 heads for Milton Keynes at Linslade. 4 March 2009 66574 passes Old Linslade on 4M88 4 March 2009 The return cement tanks from Bletchley, heading for Wembley as 6Z18 to be worked back north in the consist of 6X77 to Warrington. 67025 is in charge at Old Linslade. 5 March 2009 377210 heads for East Croydon on the 1013 from Milton Keynes at the Lakes, Bletchley. 5 March 2009 321423 heads for Euston at the Lakes, Bletchley 5 March 2009 350245 was delivered in 7X42 by 66146, 350248 followed a week later on the 12th. 5 March 2009 66715 working 0Z42 Wembley to Wolverton to collect 442403 - a working I missed whilst waiting 6H72..... 5 March 2009 With its train fully unloaded I waited about 90 minutes at Ridgmont for 60018 on 6H72, but it didn't show! A token shot of 150101 heading for Bedford. 6 March 2009 A weekend away and a brief stop at Barby Nortoft sees 321433 on a Birmingham-Euston working. 6 March 2009 90047 is on a poorly laden and late running 4L75 Crewe-Felixstowe. 10 March 2009 After just missing 60063 on 6H50, 86501 was some compensation on the 4M88 Felixstowe - Crewe at Nortoft. 10 March 2009 The sheep don't seem too interested by 350102 on a late running Crewe-Euston service ..... don't really blame them! 11 March 2009 The 4O35 Crewe-Southampton liner in the hands of 66505 and 66568 at Wolverton. 11 March 2009 37706 makes a nice sight on matching WCRC coaching stock working 5Z47 from Carnforth to Southall at Wolverton. 12 March 2009 A colour change on the branch, 150132 on the 1001 Bletchley-Bedford at Old Farm Park. 12 March 2009 60018 at a second attempt with 6H72 running close to time at Old Farm Park. 13 March 2009 Cheltenham Race Specials ran in a similar pattern to previous years. 67005/028 were paired on Wednesday, 67030 leads 67028 on 1Z58 at Bradwell on Friday. 13 March 2009 Friday the 13th was dark and gloomy and deteriorated into steady rain not long after this. 66201 is on the 6G63 Daventry-Wembley vans. 13 March 2009 Running around 100 late, 90018 propels 82101 on the 5A05 ecs from Crewe to Wembley at Bradwell. 13 March 2009 60063 at a second attempt too, although I would have much preferred the shot at Nortoft. With LM on strike and a reduced service, she has a clear path at Wolverton on the empties for Tunstead. 13 March 2009 As I was heading home I passed a Allelys low loader near Greenleys, so a quick about turn! 321432 was derailed at Bletchley in January and has arrived at Wolverton for repair. 78152 is being backed into the works. 13 March 2009 As 78152 arrives at Wolverton, 72012 was already present and 63126 following on another Allelys low loader shortly afterwards. 16 March 2009 The 16 March 2009 90018 passes Chelmscote at around 1215 on the 5M16 empty sleepers. 16 March 2009 Familiar units, unfamiliar service. 350114 on the first day of hire to Southern with the 12:13 Milton Keynes-East Croydon at Chelmscote. 17 March 2009 321423 at Bradwell 17 March 2009 66171 works the 6H50 Willesden-Tunstead empties through Bradwell. 17 March 2009 A hint of brightness catches 92007 on a well loaded 4H17. 18 March 2009 66542 is on a well loaded 4O35 Crewe-Southampton liner approaching Cheddington. 18 March 2009 350114 passes Cheddington with the 13:13 Southern service from Milton Keynes showing East Crydn as the destination. 18 March 2009 321417 leads an eight car set south towards Euston. 18 March 2009 66537 on 4L57 to Tilbury - note the higher boxes which are unusual for this service. 18 March 2009 A light engine move from Wembley passes Cheddington with 67001 leading 66007 and 66095. 18 March 2009 The appearance of the Royal 67 on the tanks was a bonus, 67005 returning to Wembley with 6A18 from Bletchley. 19 March 2009 4L81 from Coatbridge to Tilbury is due through Milton Keynes at just after 3am, but is seen standing in platform 1 at 2.30pm following the failure of 86627. 19 March 2009 A wider shot of the crippled 4L81 in Milton Keynes taken from the Loughton footbridge. 19 March 2009 Network Rail and EWS staff inspecting 86627. 86627 and 86610 were on 4L81 which initially ran into trouble near Nuneaton and then were reported being assisted by 86607/621 removed from 4L89. 20 March 2009 A new location for me by the Stoke Hammond bypass. 92005 heads south on the 6A63 Daventry-Wembley vans 20 March 2009 86614/605 pass Stoke Hammond on the 4Z81 Basford Hall-Tilbury liner 20 March 2009 66593 is on the 4O35 Crewe-Southampton distinguished by the KTA pocket wagons. 20 March 2009 Returning from delivering 350249 to Northampton, 67030 with the barrier wagons on 6A43 to Wembley. 20 March 2009 90016 on the 4M81 Felixstowe-Garston liner 20 March 2009 92036 heads north at Stoke Hammond with 4H17 to Trafford Park. One of the problems with this location is the amount of rubbish from lorries passing to the tip by Newton Longville.

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]]> Sat Mar 14 2009 February 2009 Out and About http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1660324.html A bit more variety this month!.... - Tonbridge and the Bluebell on a long weekend in Kent - Kings Sutton - Bromham - a trip to Tamworth with John F Saturday 28 February 2009: A bit more variety this month!.... - Tonbridge and the Bluebell on a long weekend in Kent - Kings Sutton - Bromham - a trip to Tamworth with John F

8 February 2009 One of my favourite engines, the Dukedogs, only date from 1938 despite their appearance. Rebuilt from Bulldog frames and a Duke class boiler, this is 9017 8 February 2009 The P class awaiting departure from Horsted Keynes for Sheffield Park. 10 February 2009 73201, seen last year in Milton Keynes on route from Long Marston, was paired with one of the two snow ploughs in Tonbridge West Yard. Snow was not the problem that weekend in Kent, but just north of Tonbridge there was severe flooding. 10 February 2009 Network Rail pairing 73212 and 73141 at Tonbridge. 10 February 2009 73204 Janice stands in Tonbridge West Yard 13 February 2009 221131 heads south at Kings Sutton 25 February 2009 220008 passes Tamworth High Level. 7 February 2009 A brief stop at Berwick on the Lewes to Eastbourne line sees 377426 arriving. 7 February 2009 Nice to see the signal box and semaphores survive in this part of Sussex. 377409 heading towards Eastbourne. 8 February 2009 SECR 65 awaits departure from Sheffield Park on the Bluebell line. 8 February 2009 SECR P class 753 was visiting from the Kent and East Sussex and is seen arriving at Sheffield Park. 8 February 2009 SECR 65 runs rounds at Kingscote. 10 February 2009 GBRF liveried 73204 contrasts with BR blue 73208 at Tonbridge. 13 February 2009 The offer of going shopping at Bicester village will even get you taken to Kings Sutton to see not one, but three tractors! Having been touring the Southern, 37609/259/605 were heading back to Derby. 13 February 2009 37609/259 and 605 working the 1Z12 Eastleigh-Derby at Kings Sutton. 13 February 2009 With the snow melting fast, the fields around Kings Sutton were under water as 165007 passes on a Stratford service. 21 February 2009 A lovely sunny Saturday afternoon, a trip out for lunch and a brief stop at Bromham on the way back. 222023 heads for St Pancras. 21 February 2009 66037 on the 6D32 Elstow-Mountsorrel was an unexpected bonus on Saturday afternoon at Bromham. 21 February 2009 43075 leads 43060 south at Bromham. 21 February 2009 222021 heading north away from its stop at Bedford station. 21 February 2009 The reason for the stop! 60065 working the 6M34 Crawley-Peak Forest Cemex empties. 25 February 2009 I was surprised that there were still a few of the former Midland Mainline/Central liveried 170s still around. 170107 arrives at Tamworth. 25 February 2009 43013 leads 43062 on the 1Q27 Crewe-Euston south through Tamworth low level. I did wonder afterwards why I photographed this and not the XC HST that was on the high level at the time which was one of the things that I went for! 25 February 2009 Returning from Burton, 47727 passes Tamworth on the 0Z50 routelearner to Rugby. We had just missed the 47s departure from Rugby due to a late running 350 and then missed the Network Rail 37s at Tamworth after the Crewe service was also 20 minutes down! 25 February 2009 No need to get out of my chair for this one! 170113 pulls away from its Tamworth stop on route to Nottingham. 25 February 2009 Always good to see the Grids in action, 56303 on the 4O90 Doncaster-Grain. 25 February 2009 Plenty of coal was seen today, partly making up for the loss of the steel workings. 66553 on the 6M49 Hull-Rugeley. 25 February 2009 Another of my 25 February 2009 66591 on a late running Southampton - Leeds liner. 25 February 2009 66107 passes the high level on the 6E08 Wolverhampton-Immingham steel empties. 25 February 2009 The second Colas 47 of the day, 47739 passing Nuneaton on the 6Z47 Swindon-Rugby.

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]]> Sat Feb 28 2009 Milton Keynes Area February 2009 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1648824.html A white start to February at Bradwell! Network Rail 31 at Milton Keynes and West Coast ecs at the second attempt. Wednesday 4 February 2009: A white start to February at Bradwell! Network Rail 31 at Milton Keynes and West Coast ecs at the second attempt.

2 February 2009 The snow had eased by Monday lunchtime and the roads were reasonably clear so a visit to Bradwell. 66533 disturbs the snow on the Tilbury-Daventry liner running a couple of hours down. 3 February 2009 90044 passes Bradwell on 4L75 running a few minutes ahead of schedule. 3 February 2009 With the snow disappearing quickly, 66577 heads north with the Southampton - Ditton. 2 February 2009 A reduced Virgin service in operation and delays of 15-30 minutes, 390018 heads for the capital. 2 February 2009 350128 passes the fresh snow at Bradwell, much of which had melted within 24 hours. 2 February 2009 390047 accelerates away from its Milton Keynes stop. 2 February 2009 An unidentified pendolino heads south at Bradwell as the snow starts once more. 2 February 2009 321429 heads for Northampton 2 February 2009 A Birmingham service formed of 350110 and 350238. 2 February 2009 66517 on 4M94 to Lawley Street running just over an hour down having been held on the GE main line. 3 February 2009 Tuesday was less successful as the snow melted. I made a mess of a couple of shots from the other side and crossed the bridge hoping for 6H50 in the sun! 92007 heads north on 4H17. 3 February 2009 321415 catches the last of the sun for the afternoon as I learnt that 6H50 had parked up at Wembley! 11 February 2009 With the snow thawing fast, 66194 leads the Coventry-Wembley vans at Bradwell. 11 February 209 Sunny shots have been few and far between this month - 90047 at Bradwell on 4L75 with the sun on the wrong side! 16 February 2009 I just arrived at Bradwell as 90046/66591 headed south on 4L97 from Crewe to Felixstowe. 16 February 2009 A rare daytime outing for a 31 on the WCML, 31233 leads the 4Q08 Derby-Euston through Bradwell with 9703 on the rear. 16 February 2009 The latest refurbished 319/3, 319367, left Wolverton this week together with 319457 which had received cab repairs. 16 February 2009 31233 returned for an evening 16 February 2009 9703 had led 4Q08 from Euston. 16 February 2009 31233 stands awaiting departure at just after 9.30pm. 16 February 2009 Having delivered another full load of commuters, 321431 awaits its next journey at Milton Keynes. 17 February 2009 The Wembley-Warrington paper train made a welcome return, 66133 in charge on a gloomy afternoon at Bradwell. 17 February 2009 A much less welcome sight was the appearance of 66185 on the 6H50 Willesden - Tunstead empties. The Peak Forest - Bletchley was also 17 February 2009 Due to the late running of 319367 on Monday, the inbound unit to Wolverton was delayed until Tuesday. 319368 heads north at Bradwell just before 2.30. 18 February 2009 The Southern service to East Croydon finally started on Monday 16th. 377211 is seen at Bletchley on the final leg to Milton Keynes. This was the only Southern unit seen that afternoon as the next two workings were heavily delayed due to a fatality and turned back early. 18 February 2009 Following 150108's failure, Network WM 150126 brightens up a miserable afternoon with the 1401 from Bletchley to Bedford. 18 February 2009 One of just 3 in Central livery, 153375 was the other unit on the branch - certainly not Coventry bound! 18 February 2009 66106 was in charge of the Cement tanks, seen pulling up to the ground signal for clearance to head back to Wembley as 6Z18. 18 February 2009 Another 442 heading for Wolverton, 67028 leads 2423 through Bletchley on 5Z70 from Eastleigh. 2423 was not originally in the Gatwick Express programme. 19 February 2009 66095 leads the 7X42 Wembley - Northampton through Bradwell with 350246 in the consist. 19 February 2009 350246 at Bradwell. 350243 was also awaiting delivery from Wembley. 19 February 2009 After yesterday's delivery to Wolverton, 2404 heads south to Stewarts Lane behind 67028. 20 February 2009 The Friday's only loco hauled service to Preston started this week. The ecs running south on Friday morning, seen at Soulbury Road. 90018 is propelling a makeshift set of Cargo D and Virgin stock, with four first and one second class coach, plus the restaurant car! 20 February 2009 The new 350/2s are regularly seeing use on the Crewe services, 350239 passes Wolverton on route to Euston. 20 February 2009 A surprise arrival at Wolverton and making a return visit after crash repairs in 2007, 313042 passes Bradwell on route from Hornsey. I understand all members of the class are now due a return visit to the works. 20 February 2009 A tug returns to 6H50. After Tuesday's unwelcome shed, 60065 provides the power at Bradwell on the Willesden - Tunstead, but for how much longer? 20 February 2009 The Royal stock returned to Wolverton behind 67005 having been hauled by Tornado from York to Leeds the previous day. 20 February 2009 My first daytime 86s this month, 86628/604 at Wolverton on 4M87. 22 February 2009 After the ecs ran almost four hours late on Friday, I nearly missed the return 5Z33 Bedford - Carnforth too. Running around 45 minutes early, 47760 at Lidlington. 22 February 2009 47804 trails at Lidlington as 47760 tackles Brogborough bank. 22 February 2009 Having reversed at Swanbourne, 47804 leads 5Z33 north at Bradwell. 22 February 2009 47804 on the ecs from the Bedford-Carlisle charter at Bradwell. 24 February 2009 60020 passes Castlethorpe in the gloom on the 6H50 Willesden-Tunstead. 24 February 2009 86501 on a fully loaded 4M88 Felixstowe-Crewe at Castlethorpe. 26 February 2009 90049 passes Bletchley on the 4L97 Trafford Park-Felixstowe. Another day of LM disruption following signalling and power problems. 26 February 2009 350244 on its first day in service was working a crew trainer for EWS crews between duties. It is seen departing Bletchley for Euston. 26 February 2009 60065 reverses out onto the up slow with the Cemex empties. 26 February 2009 A late night bonus thanks to Ian, 377504 makes its first appearance at Milton Keynes on the 5Z30 mileage accumulation run from Selhurst in the company of 377501. A little later than we'd hoped at around 2330!! 27 February 2009 67025 passes Bradwell as 0Z67 from Wembley to collect 442407 from Wolverton. 27 February 2009 180101 has joined 180107/112/113/114 at Wolverton. It is seen arriving from Oxley.

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]]> Wed Feb 4 2009 January 2009 Out and About http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1643002.html A few from Bedford and 66957 at Calvert. Updated for visits to Princes Risborough and Oakley. Thursday 1 January 2009: A few from Bedford and 66957 at Calvert. Updated for visits to Princes Risborough and Oakley.

13 January 2008 The majority of the 319s now carry First livery as seen on 319456/425 on the 1140 Bedford - Brighton. 13 January 2008 319008 leads a Southern liveried pairing out of the carriage sidings into Bedford station. 13 January 2008 66136 with no less than 35 wagons on the Forders - Toton passes platform 1 after the 319s have cleared the station. 21 January 2008 66558 stands under the crane at Calvert with the binliner from Cricklewood. 21 January 2008 The visit was for 66957 on the Dagenham bins. Having been pulled forward far enough for a photo it awaits the unloading of the late running 6Z47 from Willesden before moving under the cranes. Another timed 29 January 2008 WSMR sets have been visiting Aylesbury for tyre turning. 67029 is captured on Aylesbury depot from the multi-storey car park. 29 January 2008 The bubble stands at Princes Risborough awaiting its final journey of the morning rush hour to Aylesbury as 168004 pulls out of platform 3 for Birmingham Snow Hill. 29 January 2008 Following the tyre turning, the Wrexham services are running with the locos on the north end. 82301 leads 67012 on the late running 1P03 Wrexham-Marylebone 29 January 2008 The northbound 1J81 Marylebone-Wrexham was also slightly late and the signal had cleared for the Northolt bins so I was caught in two minds on the bridge. 67014 heads for Wrexham. 29 January 2008 I messed up the shot of the binliner coming off the curve, so a close up record shot of 66156 on 6A58. 29 January 2008 Running around 1/2 hour earlier than normal and as 6M48 rather than 6Z47, 60060 slows to take the Aylesbury branch on the Willesden-Calvert spoil. 29 January 2008 60060 on the 6M48 Willesden-Calvert. Thanks to GW for the message alerting me it was early as I would have been still sat in the waiting room thawing out.....! 29 January 2008 37423 coasts into Princes Risborough with the saloon 29 January 2008 The saloon had been used for trips to South Wales earlier in the week and is seen drawing to a halt in platform 3 to await the Chiltern Turbo crossing over. 29 January 2008 37423 and Caroline pause at Princes Risborough on return to Derby. 31 January 2008 60096 heads north at Oakley, Beds, on the 6M34 Crawley-Peak Forest empties as the light fades. 13 January 2008 The remains of Thameslink Metro livery on 319385, paired with 319427 having arrived from Brighton. 13 January 2008 319214/008 await departure with the 1210 to Brighton. 13 January 2008 66008 on the 6F93 St Pancras - Ketton at Bedford. 31 January 2008 Close up of 60096 after a week when the active 60 fleet was decimated. 31 January 2008 222010 heads for St Pancras at Oakley on a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon.

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]]> Thu Jan 1 2009 Milton Keynes Area January 2009 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1636927.html The month starts with WCML chaos, from the plane crash in Staffordshire to countless overhead line problems, then points problems at Ledburn. Updated for a couple of visits to Cheddington. Sunday 11 January 2009: The month starts with WCML chaos, from the plane crash in Staffordshire to countless overhead line problems, then points problems at Ledburn. Updated for a couple of visits to Cheddington.

6 January 2009 90045 has a marginally better load on 4L75 than yesterday. There is certainly an excess of ballast between the up and down slow following relaying. 8 January 2009 66174 finally departed Bletchley in near darkness at 1610 after a flurry of activity including three 57s and 66731 all heading south in the space of 10 minutes. 9 January 2009 159010 left Wolverton in the freezing fog on Friday following completion of collision damage repairs after a level crossing accident. The new front skirt is visible as the unit approaches the Distribution Centre crossing. 5 January 2009 At last some action and a very good start to 2009. As the WCML reopened 86637 and 86622 the last active grey 86s are paired on an empty 4L75 at Bradwell. 5 January 2009 321435 heads for Northampton at Bradwell in the welcome winter sun. 5 January 2009 92015/003 with a rake of cargowaggons on the 6L42 Warrington-Ripple Lane. 5 January 2009 86501 has NXEA 90008 for company to Crewe on 4M88 at Bradwell. 5 January 2009 Definitely highlight of the week was the use of 37087 on the 4M71 Tilbury - Daventry, even though it was pretty dark by the time it reached Bradwell. 6 January 2009 More overhead line problems and severe delays to some freight. 66504 and 66580 are just a couple of hours late on 4M94 Felixstowe-Lawley Street. 6 January 2009 Unconnected with the overhead problems 66721 and 66725 pass Bradwell around 7 hours down on 4M21 from Felixstowe-Hams Hall after 66725 had failed at Shenfield. The pair ran back empty via Peterborough. 6 January 2009 321412 approaches Bradwell. London Midland were operating a limited service all day, with many trains short formed. 6 January 2009 Still missing its logo on one side, 90046 on 4M81 an hour or so late. The previous liner which I though was 4M81, was in fact 4M45 running around 6 hours late due to the overhead line problems. 6 January 2009 The last of the sun catches 92026 on 4H17. 7 January 2009 Another day and more disruption due to overhead line problems at Wembley. 90043 is on a 4M89 Willesden-Crewe 7 January 2009 66230 passes a bitterly cold Bradwell with the 6B01 Forders-Npton 7 January 2009 Coming off the new up slow through platform 1, 86621/614 are on a 4Z81 Basford-Tilbury after the overnight closure at Wembley. 8 January 2009 Having worked up from Wembley as 6Z17, 66174 stands at Bletchley unloading the 4 RMC PCA tanks. 8 January 2009 5Z25 from Warrington to Wembley was showing as a loco hauled train, but I subsequently learned that all the mails are shown on Trust as loco hauled! (thanks Tony!). A pair of 325s pass Bletchley on a bitterly cold afternoon. 8 January 2009 153325 is the latest London Midland livery unit to make an appearance on the branch, it is seen awaiting the 1501 departure to Bedford. 9 January 2009 The 159 heads for Salisbury at Bradwell. It was back in traffic with South West Trains the following day. 10 January 2009 If I thought Friday was cold, Saturday was much worse! A record shot of 66568 on the diverted 4O54 Leeds-Southampton at Wolverton. 13 January 2009 The Royal 67s worked a test train with three EWS executive coaches and test car Mentor cleared to run temporarily at 110mph. 67005 leads 1Q21 from Crewe to Euston at Bletchley. 13 January 2009 60010 in charge of 6H50 from Willesden to Tunstead rattles across Bletchley south junction. 14 January 2009 67021 passes Milton Keynes with the 5Z70 Wolverton-Brighton Lovers Walk and newly refurbished 442410. 66731 brought 2407 up to Wolverton on the 13th. 15 January 2009 Back from East Anglia, 321416 heads north at Bradwell. 22 January 2009 A rather better shot of 321416, absent for most of last year with NXEA. It is working the 1247 Milton Keynes - Euston. 23 January 2009 66731 heads north on a poorly loaded 4M23 at Bradwell. 23 January 2009 321431 catches the sun at Bradwell as it heads for Birmingham. 23 January 2009 86605/609 are a pleasing sight on the well loaded 4M88 Felixstowe-Crewe liner. 24 January 2009 Two coaches of 321432 stand isolated in the carriage sidings at Bletchley. The power car had split the points in the early hours of Saturday morning and had just been re-railed. The other pair of coaches were shunted out of the way by a 321 and are out of shot to the right. The pantograph is tied down and chalk marks on the buffer beam point to coupling damage. 27 January 2009 The latest 442 to leave Wolverton is 442401 hauled through Cheddington by 67021 on the 5Z70 Wolverton-Stewarts Lane. 27 January 2009 A train now identified from information on Freightmaster online is 92004 on the 6A63 Daventry-Wembley. 27 January 2009 The 4O35 Crewe-Southampton now seems to load better than in the past in contrast to 4L93 which has been almost empty. 66537 is on 4O35. 27 January 2009 A busy hour southbound included 66119 on the Coventry-Wembley vans. 27 January 2009 The only shot I didn't manage in sun in 2.5 hours was the NMT working 1Q27 from Crewe-Euston at Cheddington. 27 January 2009 My normal position at Cheddington to get both north and south bound shots at the south end was not possible because of resurfacing work on platform 1 so northbound shots were difficult. I did grab this long telephoto shot of 60065 Spirit of Jaguar on 6H50. 27 January 2009 60065 with the Willesden - Tunstead empties at Cheddington. 27 January 2009 A second shot before the workmen returned from their break! 92026 is on 4H17 following immediately behind 6H50. 27 January 2009 Still no firm start date for the Southern service, but 377215 is pictured on the routelearner from Milton Keynes to Tring. 27 January 2009 321407/434 pull into Cheddington on a Milton Keynes - Euston stopper. 29 January 2009 A second brief visit to Cheddington on Thursday on the way back from Princes Risborough. 66593 is on the Daventry - Tilbury. 29 January 2009 Believed to be off to rescue 4M71, 66434 heads south at Cheddington having been on thunderbird duty at Rugby. 30 January 2009 86614 and 86638 pass Bradwell on 4L75. 30 January 2009 A train delayed from Wednesday by the French strike, 92037 on the Norfolk Line boxes which now run as 4M46 to Daventry. 30 January 2009 92042 on the silver bullets. 30 January 2009 Another additional 6H50, this time behind 60022 and running an hour or so late at Bradwell. 14 January 2009 Freezing fog swirling around, but the last of the MK3s from the WB64 set left Wembley for Crewe. 57307 with 11027, 82101 & 11079 working as 5Z23 to Crewe at Bradwell. 15 January 2009 60020 stands at Bletchley whilst unloading the 6B10 from Peak Forest. 15 January 2009 The Cemex wagons, both new IIAs and HOAs have had the Cemex logos crudely painted out. This is HOA 320067. 15 January 2009 A very rare 60 on the 6A51 Coventry - Wembley Perrier empties. 60054 passes Bradwell. Thanks to Jason for the warning that this was early, though I did my best to miss it, I was watching the Forders-Northampton head north and didn't see it approach!

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]]> Sun Jan 11 2009 Chiltern And Cherwell 2008 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1634795.html Photographs from the Chiltern line and the GW mainline through Oxford, Banbury and Leamington in 2008. Features classes 20, 37, 47, 50, Western, 60 and 87 as well as 66s from EWS. Freightliner, DRS, GBRF and Fastline and of course the WSMR 67s. Wednesday 7 January 2009: Photographs from the Chiltern line and the GW mainline through Oxford, Banbury and Leamington in 2008. Features classes 20, 37, 47, 50, Western, 60 and 87 as well as 66s from EWS. Freightliner, DRS, GBRF and Fastline and of course the WSMR 67s.

2 January 2008 168002 heads for Marylebone at Kings Sutton. On Friday of the same week, the unit headed for Wolverton to be the second of the 168/0's to be refreshed internally and repainted. 2 January 2008 66504 heads north at Kings Sutton on the 4M55 Southampton-Lawley St freightliner 2 January 2008 After their booked stop in Banbury loop, 66534 and 66588 receive the road on the 4O54 Leeds-Southampton freightliner at 1222 2 January 2008 With the West Coast main line closed by the over running engineering works many of the Voyagers were very heavily loaded and some strengthened to 8/10 cars. 220003 and 220021 cross at Banbury. 2 January 2008 66535 heads north on the 4M58 Southampton-Ditton freightliner 2 January 2008 Highlight of the day was 37038 dragging 87022 from Oxley-Wembley, a move diverted off the WCML. 2 January 2008 87022 passing Banbury with the wreath reading WCML 87s, gone but not forgotten 2 January 2008 Recently refreshed Chiltern unit 168217 on a Marylebone service. Being the alternative route to Birmingham, many of the Chiltern services were also full and standing. 2 January 2008 Four car Voyager 221141 draws into Banbury on an additional service to Reading. 2 January 2008 60028 accelerates the Theale-Lindsey tanks north through Banbury. 6 February 2008 220017 on the front of an 8 car set for Bournemouth at Banbury. The reliveried set was detached at Reading and returned north. 6 February 2008 66027 with a very late running Wakefield-Eastleigh intermodal following severe signalling problems at Central Rivers. 6 February 2008 DR73922 John Snowdon left ticking over in Banbury yard for most of the day. 6 February 2008 The Banbury-Oxford stopper in the hands of FGW 165124. 6 February 2008 The first time I have seen the Western on the main line since its return. D1015 works south through Banbury to Reading in preparation for the tour to Holyhead on 16 February. 6 February 2008 D1015 looks superb in the sun at Banbury - memories of spotting at Taplow and Maidenhead! 6 February 2008 A smokey exit as D1015 heads for Reading. 6 February 2008 168001 presents a much tidier appearance following refurbishment and repaint at Wolverton. Notably the light covers are no longer held on by tape! 6 February 2008 The Stratford service is in the hands of 165s, 165006 slows for Banbury. 6 February 2008 66543 heads the 4M61 Southampton - Trafford Park freightliner through Banbury with semaphores and Banbury south box still in use. 25 February 2008 Shunting Banbury style! Several scrap wagons were removed and taken away by road providing some entertainment! The makeshift shunter moves YNA DC965018 into position. Stopping it is more tricky! 25 February 2008 With the truss rods taking the strain the wagon is lifted clear. 25 February 2008 Mission accomplished - the YNA on the back of the trailer 25 February 2008 Fresh from the Wolverton paintshop, 168003 heads for Marylebone at Banbury 25 February 2008 The forklift makes short work of the Shark brake van DB993752 25 February 2008 960014 ran to Tyseley from Aylesbury to take up route learning duties for the Wrexham, Shropshire and Marylebone between Leamington and Birmingham. 25 February 2008 The Turbot proves slightly more tricky - shouldn't the bogie stay attached? 25 February 2008 Finally the 25 February 2008 66569 arrives at Banbury with 4O54 from Leeds to Southampton 25 February 2008 The main reason for the visit was the use of the top and tail 67s between Marylebone and Banbury for crew training on the Wrexham, Shropshire and Marylebone service. The morning run was cancelled, but 67016/17 await the afternoon service. 25 February 2008 Bearing the 84C miniature headboard, 67017 pulls forward into the headshunt. 25 February 2008 67016 leads the train back into Banbury up goods loop from where it will depart as 5Z23 to Marylebone 25 February 2008 The train uses 3 of the Cargo D Mk3s for driver training, this is 11084, the others being 11065 and 11071. Rebranded Mk3 push pull sets will be used when the service starts. 25 February 2008 60042 heads north with 6E55 - empty tanks from Theale to Lindsey 25 February 2008 66108 pulls into the down loop passing Banbury south box with 4M36. 27 March 2008 55020 on its last run towards Aylesbury of the morning peak service at Marsh Lane Crossing. 27 March 2008 We had hoped to capture 60052 at Quainton, but arrived to see it disappearing under the bridge 40 minutes early. A change of plan captures the retimed 6A56 Calvert-Northolt at Marsh Lane at 10.30am. 27 March 2008 165018 on the 1038 Aylesbury - Risborough at Marsh Lane having taken over from the bubble. 27 March 2008 60031 was on the 6Z47 Willesden-Calvert. The Aylesbury - Risborough line is difficult for the sun on northbound services and this is perhaps one of those times when you are grateful for a bit of cloud. 27 March 2008 60031 unloading at Calvert 4 May 2008 D1015 Western Champion on the 5Z54 Bescot - Old Oak Common ECS passing the narrow boats at Heyford. 4 May 2008 D1015 returns to Old Oak Common with the ECS off its trip to Edinburgh on Saturday. A super sight and sound. 4 May 2008 165007 arrives Bicester North on the terminating service from Marylebone. 4 May 2008 The Birmingham services were all strengthened with the WCML closure. 165007 leads 168004 on a Marylebone service. 4 May 2008 I had hoped to photograph the WSMR liveried skips, but the Wrexham - Marylebone was in the hands of 67029 and 67026. 4 May 2008 67029 and 67026 pause for an unscheduled stop at Bicester North. 12 May 2008 1P01 from Wrexham to Marylebone was reportedly terminated at Banbury with 67012 low on fuel! With 67025 on the north end, the pair await departure from the bay with the return 1J81 to Wrexham. 12 May 2008 67026 leads 67014 on 1P03 into Banbury. This is the 07:25 from Wrexham. 12 May 2008 66060 on the 4O04 Washwood Heath-Eastleigh at Leamington Spa 12 May 2008 Cross Country liveried Voyagers are becoming more commonplace, 220026 arrives at Leamington.

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]]> Wed Jan 7 2009 Midland Mainline 2008 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1634791.html A selection of images mainly from the Bedford and Wellingborough areas Wednesday 7 January 2009: A selection of images mainly from the Bedford and Wellingborough areas

14 January 2008 My first visit to Bedford for the year, a quiet morning freight wise, but still variety in the 319 liveries. 319426 stands in platform 2 having arrived from Brighton. 14 January 2008 319455 is on of just two remaining 319s in the silver/blue livery. 14 January 2008 Network West Midlands liveried 150132 stands in the bay awaiting the 10.51 departure for Bletchley. 14 January 2008 319422 having arrived from Brighton under threatening skies. Bedford Cauldwell are now applying the FCC vinyls in addition to those units refurbished at Wolverton. 14 January 2008 One of just two freights seen in 3 hours was 66565 on the 6M17 Croft-Neasden. 14 January 2008 43059 heads south for St Pancras at Bedford 14 January 2008 319381 shows the poor state of the remaining Thameslink liveried units. 14 January 2008 222010 in unbranded former Midland Mainline livery at Bedford. 14 January 2008 FCC liveried 319456 paired with Thameslink liveried 319371 in platform 3. 14 January 2008 222019 pauses in platform 4 with a Derby service alongside 319456. 14 January 2008 43052 leads the 1127 Sheffield-St Pancras at Bedford 14 January 2008 Southern liveried 319002 stands in platform 2 as 222020 departs for St Pancras 14 January 2008 A couple of the former Southern 319s have recently received Thameslink vinyls at Cauldwell, but 319002 still carries the full Southern livery as it waits to form the 1325 to Brighton. 14 January 2008 Centro liveried 150108 arrives from Bletchley with just four weeks before the service is due to change to 153s. 14 February 2008 A second visit to Bedford on a bitterly cold day, saw services badly disrupted following a fatality at West Hampstead. 222021 pauses on a late running Nottingham service. 14 February 2008 Having seen the set in the distance last week on the way to Sandy, a close up view of the sole East Midlands liveried Meriidan, 222017 on the 11.34 Derby to St Pancras at Bedford. 14 February 2008 An unidentified working of Metronet wagons heading for Wellingborough behind 66726. 14 February 2008 I had hoped to photograph 60013 on 6H55, but the Bletchley - Peak Forest returned via the WCML! No 60 on the Forders - Toton either, which was in the hands of 66105, although a pleasing short rake of six seacows. 14 February 2008 Another rake of seacows heading for Forders, 66603 is in charge of 6A21 from Bescot. 14 February 2008 60090 with the 6Z61 Bardon-Watford creeps up behind 319440. I really should have gone to the north end of the station and would have seen this coming! 18 March 2008 A busy couple of hours at Bromham started with 66607 on the 6M47 Bow-Croft Bardon empties 18 March 2008 66611 heads south with the 6M17 Croft-Neasden 18 March 2008 I had hoped to see both 60018 and 60039. This is 60018 on the 6F93 St Pancras-Ketton cement empties, but 60039 on the Forders - Toton didn't show. 18 March 2008 222012 heads for St Pancras at Bromham 18 March 2008 An unidentified Meridien heads north on the 12:30 St Pancras-Nottingham 18 March 2008 66725 on the 6M09 Ferme Pk-Wellingborough Metronet MLAs which had crossed to the fast line just north of Bedford station. 18 March 2008 Very close behind 6M03 was 66176 on the 6Z72 Watford-Bardon old Bardon hoppers, some of which appear to be not fully unloaded. 18 March 2008 Another northbound empties, this time 66622 on the 6Z79 Luton-Coalville with FLHH box wagons. 18 March 2008 The seventh freight in two hours - 66616 on the 6M91 Theale-Earles cement empties 1 April 2008 317338 and 317345 head for Bedford with the 15:06 from Moorgate, working the one daily 317 diagram on the MML. 1 April 2008 37423 with saloon 999506 on the 2Z03 Sheffield-Mill Hill working passes the foot crossing at Ampthill industrial estate 1 April 2008 37423 passes Ampthill in a very lucky patch of sun, earlier in the day it had worked north via the ECML. 1 April 2008 Observing from the back of the saloon - a pleasant way to spend the day! Just how lucky I was with the sun on the previous two shots is shown by this going away shot. 1 April 2008 A few minutes later 66425 works north with the 6M79 Angerstein-Bardon empties on hire to Freightliner. 1 April 2008 222008 is one of the reformed Meridians having recent gained an extra coach. 1 April 2008 319460 heads south ECS, presumably from Cauldwell. Certainly not heading for Bedford as per the destination. 1 April 2008 43084 heads north with the Master Cutler for Leeds 1 April 2008 66109 heads south with the 6O43 Corby - Sheerness at 1727. 29 April 2008 222009 leads 222008 towards St Pancras at Bromham. 222008 has gained an additional coach. 29 April 2008 60074 leads the 6E38 Colnbrook-Lindsey north at Bromham. It was named Teenage Spirit on 1 March at the NRM in support of the work undertaken by Teenage Cancer Trust. 29 April 2008 An unidentified Meridian heads north. Several Meridians have gained the East Midlands Trains branding, although 222017 is the only one in full EMT livery. 17 June 2008 The reason for the visit was 4Q07 from Derby to Selhurst top and tailed by 31459 in the former Fragonset black, now devoid of its red band, and 31602. 17 June 2008 66509 was on the Luton-Coalville empty stone on a day when several of the freights were delayed. 18 June 2008 43073 displays a rather odd appearance with a yellow coupling cover rather than MML blue. It is working the 1425 St Pancras-Sheffield with 43046. 4 June 2008 66620 on 6M79 Angerstein to Bardon Hill empties passed just as I arrived at Bromham on the fast 4 June 2008 43045 leads an up service towards St Pancras 4 June 2008 The reason for the visit was the return 1Q14 serco to Derby, which had run from Hither Green via Ashford. 37605 leads 37259 north at Bromham 4 June 2008 37259 on the rear of 1Q14 4 June 2008 Another incentive was the 60 on the Colnbrook - Lindsey. 60023 just avoiding the clouds on a shortish rake, having crossed to the down slow just north of Bedford station. 10 June 2008 A sunny start at Milton Keynes was promising, but by the time I arrived at Millbrook on the MML the clouds had gathered. 319380 heads for Moorgate in the last of the sun.

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]]> Wed Jan 7 2009 Milton Keynes Area December 2008 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1621742.html 442 and 350 moves, plus the 87 on the mail. More sunny shots in the first week of December than probably the whole of October and November combined. A multicoloured 319 is certainly the talking point! Sunday 7 December 2008: 442 and 350 moves, plus the 87 on the mail. More sunny shots in the first week of December than probably the whole of October and November combined. A multicoloured 319 is certainly the talking point!

1 December 2008 390023 heads for the capital at Chelmscote. 2 December 2008 Once again running late, but just catching the last of the afternoon sun at Old Linslade, 60012 was on the 6H50 Willesden-Tunstead cement empties. 2 December 2008 Shortly behind 6H50, 66416 follows with the Tilbury-Daventry intermodal. 3 December 2008 4L75 came to a rather sharp halt north of Bradwell despite being on double amber signals. 90045 restarts the Crewe-Felixstowe service. 1 December 2008 A late running 6G62 Wembley-Bescot passes a hazy Soulbury Road with 66141/67006/67005/92001 at the head. 1 December 2008 60004 was parked for most of a wet Sunday near Chaffron Way but I didn't even try for a shot because of the weather. The engineering work overran considerably and she returns to Forders at Ridgmont with a very late 6R13 from Wolverton at about 1030 am on Monday morning. 1 December 2008 The first 350/2s are due in service on 15 December, so a few more shots of 321s. 321420 passes Chelmscote on the 1215 Milton Keynes - Euston. 1 December 2008 66503 at Chelmscote with 4L93 to Felixstowe. 1 December 2008 350129 is on the Crewe-Euston service which at the moment runs fast from Rugby via Weedon. From the new timetable it effectively extends the Euston - Northampton service. 1 December 2008 Running as the 5Z70 Wolverton-Selhurst, 67025 hauls the latest refurbished 442, 442424, at Chelmscote. This one was reported as needing wheelset attention at Wimbledon before joining the others at Brighton. 1 December 2008 One of the additional Christmas mails, 1M01 from Shieldmuir to Willesden is worked by 325008/004/007. 1 December 2008 A much shorter than normal train, but the 6A51 Coventry-Wembley was in the hands of 66094. 3 December 2008 Not as I thought 4M81, this was 4M86 to Lawley Street running some 6.5 hours late with 66570 in charge at Bradwell. 3 December 2008 321431 passes an up pendolino at Bradwell, a sight that will probably disappear in the new year unless London Midland get their wish to retain a few of the 321s. 3 December 2008 T is for tractor... 37605 catches the sun at Bradwell working as 0A63 from Crewe to Wembley. 3 December 2008 321406/413 head south at Bradwell on a Northampton-Euston service. 3 December 2008 60026 worked north to Northampton just before 2pm, but I was half asleep and missed the shot in the sun! A consolation shot of it returning light to Forders. 3 December 2008 Running around 2 hours late and after waiting an hour at Bletchley, 66713 heads for Wolverton as the light fades with 2403 and 2411 for refurbishment from Stewarts Lane. 4 December 2008 With WB64 due to stand down from the new timetable, a welcome daytime outing for the loco hauled set. 90035 was out on 1G11 (1210 Euston-New Street) at Milton Keynes, having earlier worked the 0810 from Euston and 1000 return. 5 December 2008 UK Railtours Euston-Lincoln charter for the Christmas market had Royal power in the shape of 67005, seen passing Woburn Sands. 5 December 2008 Although the sun didn't quite make it out for the 67, it was out for 150104 following with the 0959 Bletchley-Bedford 5 December 2008 Two more 350/2s delievered this week. 350238 on Thursday and 350239 seen at Soulbury Road on Friday morning behind 66108. 5 December 2008 Hopefully we will see the 86 and 87 out on the daytime mails before Christmas, but 87002 puts in its first appearance on 1S96 at Wolverton on Friday evening. 9 December 2008 A visit to Wolverton to see if the 319 was about produced 180107 shunting around the works yard. This unit was earmarked for Virgin and left the works when they decided not to proceed with the 180s. 9 December 2008 08629 shunts 71827 at Wolverton, a vehicle from 442 2410. 9 December 2008 321403 passes Bradwell footbridge on route to Northampton. 9 December 2008 60010, also passing Bradwell, on the 6H50 Willesden to Tunstead cement empties. 10 December 2008 A graffitied 90042 passes the Lakes at Bletchley with 4L97 from Trafford Park to Felixstowe. 10 December 2008 A lunchtime visit to Bradwell hoping for the two DRS 47s returning from Wembley produced 67017 with refurbished 442402 on the 5Z70 Wolverton-Stewarts Lane. 10 December 2008 92004 heads south at Bradwell on an unidentified train of cargowagons. Possibly the Warrington-Wembley paper train, but unconfirmed?? 10 December 2008 The DRS 47s ran to a new schedule on the Wembley-Longsight ecs passing Bradwell in near darkness just before 4pm. I must admit I didn't think I had got a shot at all with the oncoming pendolino. 11 December 2008 Bletchley depot is in use once again, albeit temporary, for the commissioning and trials on the new 350/2s. 350231 is waiting to leave the depot which contained 350238/239 and at least one other. 11 December 2008 350231 waits for the 11:59 to Bedford to depart before heading round to the station. 11 December 2008 Work continues at Milton Keynes, although it is certainly not finished despite the NR publicity this weekend! 66592 passes on 4O35 to Southampton. The line in the foreground is the new up slow through platform 1 which remains unconnected. 12 December 2008 Two coaches from collision damaged 159010 stand in the frosty works yard at Wolverton with 08649 and some 442 vehicles 12 December 2008 08629 leads the first of the Thameslinkprogramme.co.uk liveried 319s, 319364, out of Wolverton works. 12 December 2008 An additional 6H50 Willesden - Tunstead in the hands of 60027 at a very dark Wolverton. 12 December 2008 350/2s have started to enter service, 350236 arrives at Wolverton with the 14:24 from Euston to Northampton. 15 December 2008 350232 pulls into Northampton station where it will attach to the front of the 1233 from Crewe. 15 December 2008 With the commissioning of the new loco holding siding at Rugby the thunderbird has moved back from Bletchley - 57308 is on duty. 16 December 2008 A second departure for 319364 after returning to Wolverton on Friday. 08629 propels the unit into the underpass at a foggy Wolverton. 16 December 2008 92034 on a late running 4L27 in the mist at Bradwell. 16 December 2008 I arrived at Wolverton hoping to catch the 442 leaving and was surprised to see 319364 back in centre sidings at 1140. She is hauled back into the works by 08629. 16 December 2008 Having regained the Corby destination, 319364 passes through the loop adjacent to McConnell Drive. 16 December 2008 319364 propelled towards the works yard passing the Community Centre car park. 16 December 2008 About 20 minutes later, 08629 reappeared with 442 2417. This unit has had the roof repainted white - it arrived from Ashford with the red swept up over the roof. 16 December 2008 Royal power for the latest 442 to leave Wolverton - 67006 hauls 442417 at Bradwell on route to Brighton. 17 December 2008 The Peak Forest Bletchley used to convey two of the RMC cement tanks, but on this occasion they had been conveyed to Warrington then onward to Wembley on 6M66. 66111 ran as a 6Z17 Wembley Yard to Bletchley and is seen at just after 4pm having run round to return to Wembley. The tanks went back north the following evening in 6X77. 18 December 2008 West Midlands Tram 5 leaving Wolverton on completion of collision damage repairs 18 December 2008 A very dark shot of 86614 and 86610 on 4M88 at Wolverton, but the first time I have captured 86614 leading since repainting.

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]]> Sun Dec 7 2008 Milton Keynes Area November 2008 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1612109.html Two more 350/2's delivered and a 442 leaving Wolverton. The sun seems to like the 150's but not a lot else! November continues to be dark and gloomy but hard to beat an blue 86 and 87 together as highlight of the month! Sunday 16 November 2008: Two more 350/2's delivered and a 442 leaving Wolverton. The sun seems to like the 150's but not a lot else! November continues to be dark and gloomy but hard to beat an blue 86 and 87 together as highlight of the month!

6 November 2008 2412, the second refurbished 442, leaving Wolverton works hauled by 08629. 6 November 2008 442412 subsequently departed as the retimed 5O43 1325 Wolverton-Brighton Lovers Walk. seen passing Bradwell at 1330 behind 66727. 7 November 2008 377204 pulls away from a mock station call at Bletchley as route learning continues for the East Croydon service. 11 November 2008 Having learned that 153356 was on the branch I got the timings completely wrong at Brickhill and arrived to photgraph 150106 instead! 11 November 2008 60091 was working off Forders this week and is seen heading back to Forders on Tuesday afternoon passing the flooded fields near the M1 Jct 13. Thanks to John for the message on this one! 11 November 2008 60091 glints in the last of the afternoon sun at Ridgmont. 3 November 2008 950001 worked a 2Q08 Derby-Milton Keynes test train, seen at Bow Brickhill heading towards Bletchley with thumping wheelflats! 4 November 2008 A lucky one with the camera on completely the wrong settings including manual focus which I didn't have time to adjust! 66207 passes Tring with 350232 in tow on the 7X42 Wembley-Northampton just as I arrived. 4 November 2008 350232, third of the new batch to be delivered to Northampton, heads north in the gloom at Tring. 6 November 2008 2412 is propelled under Stratford Road towards Centre Sidings. Note the partially repainted roof where the Stagecoach colours have been removed. 7 November 2008 Almost exactly a year since the London Midland franchise started and coincidentally 150126 in Network WM colours was also photographed in the same place at Bletchley on the first day of the new franchise. 13 November 2008 60071 Ribblehead Viaduct approaches Woburn Sands station in the rain on the 6H72 Bletchley-Peak Forest. 13 November 2008 London Midland City liveried 153356 arrives at Woburn Sands in the rain and dreadful light on the 1059 Bletchley-Bedford. 14 November 2008 90046 heads north at Castlethorpe with the 4M51 Tilbury-Daventry. 14 November 2008 The reason for the visit to Castlethorpe, 67001 hauling 350235 on the 7X42 Wembley-Northampton. Unfortunately the unexpected morning sun didn't last! 14 November 2008 350235 passes Castlethorpe in the consist of 7X42. 14 November 2008 There had obviously been some congestion as two LM desiros which were supposed to be 20 minutes apart were almost side by side heading north in front of 7X42. 92002 was also unusually on the fast, though it is slowing to cross at Hanslope, with 4H24 from Wembley to Trafford Park. 17 November 2008 319363 is the latest 319 to leave Wolverton, seen passing Bradwell just after 10am on route back to Bedford. 319365 has replaced it on works. 17 November 2008 57306 follows the 319 south at Bradwell. 17 November 2008 I had seen a post that 86612/614 were on the 4L97 Crewe-Felixstowe, but hadn't realised 90045 was also on the train! The trio pass Bradwell having just waited long enough to avoid the workers in the orange jackets seen in the previous shots! 17 November 2008 The third 442 refurbishment left Wolverton on Monday - 442421 is propelled towards the distribution centre crossing by 08629. 67019 was waiting in centre sidings to take the unit on to Brighton. 18 November 2008 86612/614 were on 4L97 for a second day running in marginally better light at Bradwell - I still haven't got a shot of 86614 leading since its repaint at Crewe LNWR. 18 November 2008 67021/008 worked a Manchester Victoria - Kensington Olympia Northern Belle shopping excursion on Tuesday, making slow progress on the slow line behind 4L97 at Bradwell. 18 November 2008 Tuesday afternoon was heavily disrupted with points problems at Wembley and signal failure further north. 66533 was on 4M88 in the last of the sun at Bradwell. 19 November 2008 56301 had been failed at Nuneaton on the Birch - Grain the previous evening with a smashed windscreen. 56302 arrived to take the train forward on Wednesday lunchtime. The pair are seen shut down in a less than ideal position at Bletchley. 20 November 2008 66579 was in charge of 4L97 this morning at Skew Bridge. 21 November 2008 On the first of two round trips to Tring, 377205 works 5Z41 from Milton Keynes at Cheddington. 21 November 2008 Two blue electrics on the southern WCML for the first time in many years. 86101 leads 87002 south at Cheddington on 5E04 from Carnforth-Doncaster. 21 November 2008 86101 and 87002 on the Carnforth-Doncaster ecs at Cheddington formed of the old Manchester Pullman stock. The pair worked a Doncaster-Edinburgh charter for GBRF on the Saturday. They look superb despite the lack of sun! 21 November 2008 66154 heads south at Cheddington with the Coventry-Wembley Perrier empties. 350232 heads south at Bradwell, not as I originally thought on a 5Z51 training/test run, but working 5T01 from Northampton to Bletchley to join 350233 in temporary storage in the TMD - thanks to John A for the info. 24 November 2008 The fifth new desiro to arrive was 350236, hauled to Northampton by 67019 in the 7X42 from Wembley at Bradwell. 25 November 2008 The new FREDs have made several appearances on liners this week - 66954 is on 4L93 at Wolverton. 25 November 2008 A rare patch of sun for 6H50! 60029 powers north at Bradwell almost on time with the Willesden-Tunstead empties. The train had been worked south with both 60029 and 60085 as a positioning move for 60085. 25 November 2008 This was a bit of an experiment with the camera on the bridge parapet at Bradwell, you can't see what you are taking but it gives a view inside the mast looking south to Milton Keynes Central of 90049 and 90046 on 4M88. 26 November 2008 Looking very tired and in need of some TLC, 86637 leads 86627 south at Bradwell on 4L97. 27 November 2008 I have taken very few shots at Milton Keynes because of all the construction work and because new signals and masts have made the old shots from the platform ends impossible. From the end of the year freights will be using the line through platform 1 so sights like this of 66516 passing platform 2 on 4L93 will be a thing of the past. 18 November 2008 60071 Ribblehead Viaduct heads the 6H50 Willesden - Tunstead cement empties - another day when it ran late and missed the sun! 19 November 2008 4L97 again, this time 90044 in charge by the Lakes Estate, Bletchley. 19 November 2008 Another dark afternoon, 90048 heads 4M88 north at Granby footbridge. 20 November 2008 With no Peak Forest-Bletchley stone on Thursday, I decided to wait for 4O86/4L97 for the fourth day running! 321410 heads south at Skew Bridge on the 1015 Milton Keynes - Euston stopper, one of the diagrams that will shortly change to 350/2 operation. 21 November 2008 A brief visit to Wolverton after lunch catches 90047 with NXEA 90006 returning to East Anglia after overhaul at Crewe. 21 November 2008 The sun was disappearing as 321434 heads south at Cheddington. 21 November 2008 A very short 4H17 with just the Bulkhaul boxes and no Duisburg portion today, behind 92041 at Cheddington. 26 November 2008 Second desiro of the week, 350237, behind 66079 at Bradwell. 26 November 2008 350237 in 7X42 at Bradwell. 28 November 2008 08629 suffered a derailment on Tuesday on its way out to collect the Royal stock which was then sat in Centre Sidings all week with 90035 attached providing power. The line into the works was reopened on Friday and 08629 brought the Royal stock back into the works early afternoon.

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]]> Sun Nov 16 2008 Milton Keynes Area October 2008 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1589821.html The return of the 87, a 442 move and an unusual engineers start October as the mixed weather continues. A sunny second week with Les Ross and Sir Lamiel on the southern WCML. The first 350/2 arrives and 180107 leaves Wolverton around the middle of the month. Updated for the first refurbished 442 and a couple of very welcome sunny afternoons, but a quiet final week. Saturday 4 October 2008: The return of the 87, a 442 move and an unusual engineers start October as the mixed weather continues. A sunny second week with Les Ross and Sir Lamiel on the southern WCML. The first 350/2 arrives and 180107 leaves Wolverton around the middle of the month. Updated for the first refurbished 442 and a couple of very welcome sunny afternoons, but a quiet final week.

2 October 2008 323243 is hauled under Stratford Road by 08629. It should emerge next Thursday in LM colours. 2 October 2008 Following immediately behind 4M88 was a 6Z98 Wembley-Bescot engineers. Not just unusual traction in the form of the 90, but 67024 and 66053 along for the ride too. 2 October 2008 66720 follows with 4M23 to Hams Hall, slowing to allow 5M42 to reverse into centre sidings. 2 October 2008 I headed for McConnell Drive in the hope of catching the 442 being taken into the works. Instead, I caught 323241 being propelled towards the main line at 1640. The 323, together with the 442, newly arrived 319369 and a Colas track machine were all still in a crowded Centre Sidings at 1815. A problem with the 323 before departure? 1 October 2008 Blue sky all around.... but raining in Bradwell! 87002 worked up on Monday evening from Warrington to Willesden with 325003. It is seen returning from Willesden at 4pm on Wednesday as 0Z87 to Warrington to resume its standby mail duties and looks superb despite the weather. 2 October 2008 The 323 repainting programme is drawing to a close. The final Centro liveried unit to visit Wolverton is the last of the class, 323243. 2 October 2008 90043 heads north with a late running 4M81 on a distrupted afternoon due to yet another fatality in the Harrow area. 2 October 2008 Sadly the light didn't hold for 4M88 which was in the hands of 86610/637 just over an hour late in the rain at Bradwell. 2 October 2008 Running some 3 hours later than originally expected and with GBRF power rather than EWS, 66713 brings 442 2404 to Wolverton, the eleventh member of the class for Southern. It was running as 5M42 from Ashford Chart Leacon. 7 October 2008 Tuesday was dull and wet, normal conditions for the Tunstead tanks and a bit of a surprise after an extra train ran on Saturday. 60100 rattles across the Bletchley south crossovers in the rain. 8 October 2008 We had been caught out when 57601 tore through Wolverton on the fast with 1Z95 from Carlisle to Euston. 47851 leads the return 5Z95 ecs back to Carnforth at Bradwell with the 57 on the rear. 9 October 2008 Thursday's 4L75 with 86604/613 in charge once again on the Wolverton bends. 9 October 2008 Thursday's highlight was 30777 Sir Lamiel working from Carnforth to Southall. By 4pm the shadows from the new flats make photography difficult at Wolverton, this shot taken from the north end of the down fast platform - far from an ideal place to stand, but just enough sun for the loco and support coach. 9 October 2008 Just before 6pm and after its 90 minute waterstop in the carriage sidings, Sir Lamiel eases forward through platform 5 at Bletchley watched by the enthusiasts of tomorrow? 9 October 2008 Sir Lamiel pulls out onto the up slow to follow the Desiro south for Southall. 9 October 2008 With the steam clearing, a going away shot as a record! 10 October 2008 Two weeks later than last year, but once again in the hands of DRS 66s, the water cannons head for Wembley as 6Z73 from Crewe. This year's locos are 66426/425 and are unlikely to remain clean for long. 10 October 2008 Immediately behind 6Z73 and around an hour late, 86604/613 put in their third appearance for the week, this time on 4L97 from Trafford Park to Felixstowe at the A4146 bridge. 10 October 2008 Three for the price of one! 6A15 with 66163/015 on the front and 66144 on the back heads for Forders. From Jason's shots it appears 66144 was added at Northampton. 13 October 2008 60059 worked 6H72 on both Monday and Thursday, it is seen passing Bow Brickhill on a gloomy Monday morning. 14 October 2008 66728 named Institution of Railway Operators at March back in April, in charge of 4M23 at Wolverton 14 October 2008 Having arrived at Wembley at lunchtime, the first of the new London Midland 350/2s, 350231, was taken forward to Northampton by 66067 as the 7X42 Wembley-Northampton. It is seen passing a very dark Wolverton at around 3.45pm. 14 October 2008 350231, showing the black and yellow gangway door in contrast to the 350/1s which have full yellow doors. 14 October 2008 Another shot of 350231 in 7X42 at Wolverton. These units have 3+2 seating, in contrast to the 2+2 of the first batch. 14 October 2008 A recent flow is the paper train from Warrington on a Wednesday with the empties working north on Tuesday night. 67030/01 are in charge of 12 German IZA vans on the empties at Wolverton - 6F00 Wembley-Warrington 17 October 2008 An afternoon when only the 150 and 350s seemed to run in sun! 350121 arrives at Bletchley with the 1336 from Northampton. 4L57 is in the loop. 17 October 2008 The water cannons were not running every day this week, but 66425/426 head north at Bletchley with 1J84 to Nuneaton. 21 October 2008 Running around 80 minutes late, 60005 passes Bradwell with the 6H50 Willesden - Tunstead. 21 October 2008 A sunny evening and possibly the last chance to catch 1G21 in sun, I headed for Soulbury on the spur of the moment. 86638/614 running around 3 hours late on 4L75 were an added bonus - not the best shot, but just catching the last of the sunlight. 21 October 2008 90035 has taken over on 1G21 and heads north at Soulbury Road. Another shot taken from the bank on the opposite side of the bypass. 23 October 2008 An early visit to Bradwell in the hope of catching 73201/107 which were reported heading for Wolverton to collect the 442. In the event they were turned back, but I did see 319363 returning from Wolverton to Bedford for a second time after a 24 October 2008 67028 passes Bradwell with another 442 for Wolverton, this time 2408, running as 5Z66 Ashford Chart Leacon-Wolverton. 24 October 2008 442 2408 is hauled under Stratford Road by 08629. 24 October 2008 377210 was out on route learning duties and is seen heading back to Selhurst at Bletchley with 5Z63 from Milton Keynes. 24 October 2008 321419 leads the 1433 Northampton - Euston south towards the capital. 24 October 2008 An hour later and 321421 and 321412 form the 1533 Northampton - Euston at Bletchley. 24 October 2008 The first refurbished 442, 2414 heads south at Bletchley behind 67028 as 5Z70 1530 Wolverton-Wembley 24 October 2008 66732, having replaced 66718 which failed on Thursday, leaves Bletchley loop with 4L22 to Felixstowe. 27 October 2008 Another change in enterprise traffic. 6A42 is now running from Bescot again, with an additional train - 6Z60 running from Warrington to Ripple Lane, seen here behind 92019 with 90024 DIT. 28 October 2008 Running around 4.5 hours late, 67017 leads 92001 on the 6M66 Mossend-Wembley south of the Skew Bridge at Bletchley. 28 October 2008 90042 on 4L97 at Skew Bridge with a megafret just behind the loco. 28 October 2008 A nice surprise whilst waiting for 6H50, 60056 passes Bradwell with a Northampton-Forders train mainly formed of Seacow ballast hoppers. 30 October 2008 Just as I arrived at the Lakes, 57312 headed north light engine. I'm not sure whether this became thunderbird at Bletchley or was heading further north. 30 October 2008 After months out of use, the former Stobart pullman set was hauled from Wembley to Crewe by 37038, seen passing Bradwell on a drizzly Thursday lunchtime. 31 October 2008 90047 catches a glimpse of sun at Northampton on an otherwise unproductive Friday. 6 October 2008 Of the two Loadhaul 60s, 60007 has been rare in the area. I originally intended to go to Woburn Sands but ended up near Lidlington, where number 7 is seen around 100 late. Note the Margam depot sheep on the front. 6 October 2008 180103 became the first Adelante to head for Northern, leaving Wolverton as 5Z80 to Newton Heath - thanks to John. 7 October 2008 Marginally better light for 90046 on the Felixstowe-Crewe at Bletchley. 8 October 2008 A very welcome return for 86259, now named Les Ross, seen heading for Euston at Wolverton - its first visit to the southern WCML in preservation and in glorious light too. 8 October 2008 47773 had brought the 86 to New Street, but 86259 continued solo to Euston as 0Z29 to work the Royal Scot charter as far as Crewe on Thursday.

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]]> Sat Oct 4 2008 Water Orton 15/9/08 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1582261.html A few hours at Water Orton on Monday 15 September - a welcome change of scene with four 60s and a selection of other shots from the footbridge. Sunday 21 September 2008: A few hours at Water Orton on Monday 15 September - a welcome change of scene with four 60s and a selection of other shots from the footbridge.

15 September 2008 Cross Country refurbished power car 43285 leads a former Midland mainline set and 43321 north towards Derby. 15 September 2008 Newest of the Fastline 66s, 66303, was on 6D03 from Daw Mill to Ratcliffe and is seen heading west to run round at Saltley. 15 September 2008 60100 comes off the Whitacre line with the 6M26 Aldwarke-Wolves steel as 170103 heads south from Derby. 15 September 2008 Four car Voyager 220033 heads off the Derby line shortly before the landlord evicted the spotters from the pub car park! 15 September 2008 170113 pulls across onto the platform road with a Leicester - New Street service. 15 September 2008 In contrast, refurbished 170522 heads for Derby. 15 September 2008 170398 takes the Leicester line, both 170397/398 were noted in Cross Country livery rather than their Porterbrook hire colours. 15 September 2008 66303 returns east with 6D03 from Daw Mill to Ratcliffe 15 September 2008 60018 in charge of the 6M96 Margam-Corby loaded steel 15 September 2008 60042 follows shortly after with the westbound 6V92 Corby-Margam steel empties 15 September 2008 More normally a 60 diagram, 66067 heads west on the 6E77 Bedworth-Port Clarence red Petroplus empty tanks 15 September 2008 66594 heads off the line from Whitacre and Nuneaton with the 4M94 Felixstowe-Lawley Street liner 15 September 2008 66587 on a very lightly loaded 4Z05 Lawley St-Southampton liner. 15 September 2008 The grid comes off the Derby line with 4O90 to Grain running to time today. 15 September 2008 66056 was returning with the 6D38 Small Heath - Mountsorrel self discharge train, but whether there was a problem at Small Heath I don't know as this would normally be empties. 15 September 2008 60043 working the 6F75 Crewe-Stud Farm empty JNAs 15 September 2008 66192 takes the Derby line with the 4M33 Southampton - Burton liner

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]]> Sun Sep 21 2008 Isle of Wight and Brockenhurst http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1580624.html A small selection from a very wet Isle of Wight and Brockenhurst, including the Dorset Dumpling tour. Saturday 6 September 2008: A small selection from a very wet Isle of Wight and Brockenhurst, including the Dorset Dumpling tour.

6 September 2008 On both Saturdays, the Lymington branch was operated by 450s. 450101 is leaving Lymington pier for Brockenhurst. 6 September 2008 Seen from the deck of the car ferry, 450101 stands at Lymington Pier station alongside one of three new car ferries which are shortly to enter service on the crossing to Yarmouth. 9 September 2008 After lunch, 483004/008 are seen arriving at Ryde Esplanade. 11 September 2008 1498 rounds Lymington Harbour on the way back to Brockenhurst. 11 September 2008 1498 crosses Lymington harbour just before Lymington Town station. 6 September 2008 The Dorset Dumpling tour worked by 33025 and 73136 passing Brockenhurst on route to Weymouth. 6 September 2008 73136 on the rear of the Dumpling 7 September 2008 I had only been to the Isle of White once, so was hoping to photograph some of the tube stock, but the weather wasn't cooperating. The only dry shots I took were from Alresford Road footbridge at Shanklin. 483004 heads for the line's terminus at Shanklin. 7 September 2008 483004 returning a few minutes later. The location can be found on www.trainspots.co.uk. 9 September 2008 The Isle of Wight steam railway is normally operated by three saddle tanks, with the authentic Southern locos unfortunately out of service and out of sight. Waggoner was built by Hunslet in 1953 and is seen at Havenstreet, 9 September 2008 The other Austerity, WD198, approaches Havenstreet from Wootton in the rain. A shame about the caravan! 9 September 2008 WD198 and the mixture of bogie and 4 wheel stock at Havenstreet, one of the Terriers or Calbourne would really transform these images. 9 September 2008 Closer inspection of WD198 in the rain! 9 September 2008 The rain getting steadily worse as we arrived at Smallbrook Junction. 483009 leaves the double track section which runs from Esplanade to Smallbrook. 9 September 2008 483004/008 arrive at Smallbrook Junction from Shanklin. 9 September 2008 Not a day for walking down the pier! 483004/008 head for the line's terminus and interchange with the Portsmouth ferry. 9 September 2008 483008/004 awaiting departure from Ryde Pier Head. 9 September 2008 WD198 arrives at Smallbrook Junction as the fireman deposits the single line tablet on the post. 10 September 2008 Back on the mainland and the Lymington - Brockenhurst shuttles were in the hands of 1498 on Wednesday and Thursday. 1498 leaves Brockenhurst with the 16:29 for Lymington. 11 September 2008 Lymington Town station. 11 September 2008 1498 stands at Lymington Pier. 13 September 2008 Having missed 1497 on the Friday, I was hoping it would be out again on Saturday, but 450097 was on the branch, seen approaching Brockenhurst. 13 September 2008 A short lunch stop at Kimbridge crossing nr Romsey catches 158885 heading south towards Southampton.

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]]> Sat Sep 6 2008 Milton Keynes Area September 2008 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1580120.html Freight on the Weedon loop, southern 319s to Milton Keynes and freight diversions during the North London line closure. A cloudy start to the week, but not every week do we get 20s and a 73 at Milton Keynes! 377s on the routelearners for the new East Croydon service too. Tuesday 16 September 2008: Freight on the Weedon loop, southern 319s to Milton Keynes and freight diversions during the North London line closure. A cloudy start to the week, but not every week do we get 20s and a 73 at Milton Keynes! 377s on the routelearners for the new East Croydon service too.

1 September 2008 September started with the closure of the North London line for engineering work. One of several trains diverted from the MML across the Bedford - Bletchley is the 6L84 Croft - Bow Olympic seen behind 66529 at a very overgrown Lidlington! 1 September 2008 90006 heading to Crewe for overhaul replacing 90003 which returned in a diverted 4L75 via Nottingham after the bank holiday. 1 September 2008 37712 could be heard for a couple of minutes approaching from the south. A wonderful noise and sight as she thundered through with the 5Z86 Southall-Carnforth. 2 September 2008 Prior to the fire on 86501 I had not tried the A4146 bypass bridge but there is a reasonable morning up slow shot. 92036 heads south with 4A27 running around 2 hours late. 2 September 2008 350107 heads for Euston south of the skew bridge on the Lakes Estate at Bletchley. 2 September 2008 66604 follows with the 6L84 Croft - Bow bogie boxes 2 September 2008 66403 heads north at Soulbury Road with a well loaded 4M71 Tilbury-Daventry 2 September 2008 321406/430 head north in the sun at Soulbury Road. With arrival of the desiros over the next few months we will probably wish we had photographed the 321s more! 2 September 2008 One of the other diverted freights is the 6M92 West Thurrock - Earles cement empties. Sadly the light had deteriorated and the rain started to such an extent I didn't even wait for the 86s following on 4M87! 3 September 2008 The reduced pendolino service as a result of the Trent Valley engineering work meant that 4M23 was booked via Weedon for two weeks. A visit to Blisworth catches an unidentified pendolino heading north as 4M23 was almost an hour late! 3 September 2008 Freight has always been rare on the Weedon line and although other freights used the loop over the 2 week closure, to capture 4M88 in sun with 86622 DIT behind 66575 was a complete bonus. 3 September 2008 A second view of 66575 and 86622 on 4M88 approaching Blisworth. 4 September 2008 A brief visit to Bow Brickhill captures 66529 once again on the Croft-Bow stone. 4 September 2008 A strange run on Thursday was a training / filming run from Streatham Hill to Milton Keynes. 319215/013 pull out of the carriage sidings at Bletchley on the return. 4 September 2008 Memories of the Rugby - Gatwick? 319013 poses at Bletchley. 4 September 2008 The return 5Z73 Milton Keynes-Streatham Hill started from Bletchley cs and the pair pull away from Bletchley. The video camera is just visible in the cab window. 4 September 2008 66419 rattles across the junction at Bletchley with 4M71. 4 September 2008 A second attempt to capture 6M92 from West Thurrock to Earles. 66546 slows for Bletchley in a downpour - I think I resorted to something like 1/80th at ISO800! 1 September 2008 90049 with NXEA 90006 heads north at Wolverton on 4M88. 2 September 2008 I decided the skies looked brighter to the east, but it was still pouring with rain when 66546 passed Woburn Sands on 6M92! 3 September 2008 Despite the late running, 66720 heads north in a very lucky patch of sun after some very dark clouds and sharp showers! 4 September 2008 319215/013 cross to the fast for the run back to the capital. Press reports suggest that the curtailed Clapham - Watford service may start from Milton Keynes in 2009?? 16 September 2008 After a very quiet hour, 90049 heads north at Bletchley with the late running 4M51 Tilbury-Daventry. 18 September 2008 90043 18 September 2008 With just a handful of 323's remaining in Centro colours, 323240 is the latest to arrive at Wolverton. 18 September 2008 After being a fairly solid 66 turn, 4L57 seems to have changed to 90 haulage. Distinguished from the Felixstowe liner which runs at a similar time by the shorter train, all lower boxes and normally better loadings, 90046 rounds the curve at Wolverton. 19 September 2008 At last a sunny Friday afternoon - not the day to forget your camera which is exactly what I did! After a couple of poor trial shots I managed a more reasonable shot of the West Thurrock - Earles at Soulbury with my little digital compact! 66583 is in charge and another close shave with a pendolino. 19 September 2008 6M92 is formed about one third of the old 4 wheel PCA tanks and two thirds of the new VTG bogie JPA tanks, this is 12418. 19 September 2008 66730 passes Soulbury Road with 4L22 - I will check my camera bag before going out next time! 22 September 2008 66620 on the 6L84 Croft-Bow approaching Woburn Sands foot crossing. 24 September 2008 This was one that nearly got away! Working a 6Z14 from Long Marston to Willesden for onward movement to St Leonards, 66722 leads South West trains liveried 73201 south at Bradwell with the cargowaggon for brake force. I had ignored all the posts on 6Z14 after seeing a reference to it being on route to Barrow Hill and it was just by luck that I picked up a post of it passing Rugby. 24 September 2008 Difficult to beat a pair of 20s, but 73201 has to run it very close! Coupled between 66722 and the brake force wagon in 6Z14 Long Marston-Willesden. 25 September 2008 08629 crosses the Distribution Centre crossing hauling 323241 into Wolverton works for repainting - just a couple left in Centro colours now. 26 September 2008 66517 heads north at Bletchley with 4M94 from Felixstowe to Lawley Street. 26 September 2008 A glorious sunny day and a visit to Cheddington for the afternoon. 66580 on 4L93 from Lawley Street to Felixstowe. 26 September 2008 After the visit of the 319s on the training/filming run, 377s have been reported at Bletchley on route learning. 377211 races south through Cheddington on the first of two Bletchley-Tring-Bletchley runs. 26 September 2008 377211 returns from Tring on 5Z77 heading back to Bletchley carriage sidings. 26 September 2008 66422 in charge of the 4M71 Tilbury/Ripple Lane - Daventry with a full load of tanktainers. 26 September 2008 At last a shot of 6O60 in the sun! 92026 on the Mossend - Dollands Moor approaches Cheddington. 26 September 2008 A close call with the desiro having crossed to the fast at Ledburn in front of it, 66554 accelerates the West Thurrock - Earles cement empties through Cheddington station. 26 September 2008 321429 pauses at Milton Keynes on a Northampton service. 27 September 2008 377206 departs from the 30 September 2008 The NMT powered by 43062 and 43014 slows for Milton Keynes on its Tuesday slow line run from Derby-Euston (1Q28). 30 September 2008 66303 heads south at Bradwell on its second 4O90, this time from Birch to Grain as the light gets steadily worse. 16 September 2008 No 6L84 this morning with both platforms 5 and 6 at Bletchley closed at the south end for urgent track repairs. 153371 leaves with the 1059 to Bedford. 16 September 2008 An unidentified Wembley-Forders engineers working behind 66086. 16 September 2008 The third diverted working is the Tuesdays/Thursdays Croft - Bow and return formed of Bardon Hoppers. 66614 is on return 6M47 empties shortly after platform 5 reopened at Bletchley. 16 September 2008 66536 pulls away from Bletchley with 4L93 after being looped as booked for two London Midland services and 4O35 to pass. 16 September 2008 A welcome bit of colour on a dull afternoon. 60059 on the Willesden - Tunstead empties at Bradwell returning to its normal route after the excursion down the ECML during the Rugby blockade. 17 September 2008 The Tilbury liner is timed to stop at Ripple Lane and on several days this week has been formed of two distinct portions. 66413 with a load of mainly Geest containers at the front and more normal tanktainers at the back passes Linslade on a dull Wednesday afternoon.

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]]> Tue Sep 16 2008 Fire on 4L97 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1566644.html 86501 caught fire just south of Bletchley whilst working 4L97 from Trafford Park to Wembley. Updated for 86501's departure from Bletchley on an Allely's low loader Wednesday afternoon. Let's hope the fire was not too serious and we see the unique "Can" back on the mainline.... Friday 22 August 2008: 86501 caught fire just south of Bletchley whilst working 4L97 from Trafford Park to Wembley. Updated for 86501's departure from Bletchley on an Allely's low loader Wednesday afternoon. Let's hope the fire was not too serious and we see the unique "Can" back on the mainline....

22 August 2008 The Freightliner driver cleared to board again and inspect the damage. 27 August 2008 Reversing out of the engineers yard across the sloped drive to Bletchley depot was accomplished by adjusting the suspension on the trailer to keep the 86 completely level. 27 August 2008 86501 is backed into the depot entrance - the depot is a sorry sight with windows boarded up. 27 August 2008 We thought that 6233 or perhaps 08874 was the last loco to leave, but 86501 stakes its claim as it descends the drive. 27 August 2008 86501 stands on First Avenue, Bletchley awaiting the escort. 22 August 2008 I wasn't sure exactly where 4L97 had stopped, except that it was south of Bletchley. When I arrived 57301 had already been attached to the rear opposite the lakes estate. 22 August 2008 Smoke still drifting out of the offside vents on 86501 as she stands north of the A4146 bypass bridge about 13:15. 22 August 2008 A closer view with smoke swirling around the cab and a fire crew still inside. 22 August 2008 The only externally visible damage is on the off side around the grill which is badly scorched. 22 August 2008 An hour or so after the earlier pictures, 57301 drags 4L97 slowly back into Bletchley station. 22 August 2008 Only at this stage were the passengers told that the next service would be after the freight train had been moved. Previously the reason for the service suspension had been given as a 22 August 2008 86501 is hauled back through Bletchley into the up goods loop. 22 August 2008 Close up of the scorching around the front grill. 22 August 2008 Very difficult to gauge the extent of the damage from these shots. 22 August 2008 Take away the tail light and at first glance it could be 86501 heading south in the sun - hopefully she will return. 23 August 2008 86501 stands alone on the engineers sidings alongside Bletchley depot this weekend. 27 August 2008 A chance visit to the depot and the Allely's low loader had arrived. I returned an hour or so later and 86501 was already loaded. Hardcore had been spread along one of the engineers sidings to allow the low loader to reverse onto the track. 27 August 2008 Safely down the slope, no outward signs of fire damage on this side. 27 August 2008 86501 heads for the M1 and ultimately assessment at Crewe LNWR - I hope she will return.

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]]> Fri Aug 22 2008 Milton Keynes Area August 2008 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1556778.html A visit to Rugby, with up freight using platform 2 temporarily - much better for photography. The best variety for a long time with a 158 and 180 at the works, 31s and 37s on test trains, 37423 on the branch and even a Fertis 56.... where was the sun?! More 442s, 60s on 6H50 and 6H72 and a second visit to Rugby. 86101 on the mail overshadowed by the fire on 86501 - see separate gallery. Tuesday 5 August 2008: A visit to Rugby, with up freight using platform 2 temporarily - much better for photography. The best variety for a long time with a 158 and 180 at the works, 31s and 37s on test trains, 37423 on the branch and even a Fertis 56.... where was the sun?! More 442s, 60s on 6H50 and 6H72 and a second visit to Rugby. 86101 on the mail overshadowed by the fire on 86501 - see separate gallery.

1 August 2008 1 August 2008 66248 stands in the centre road at Northampton with an early Bescot - Forders awaiting departure of 350112. 1 August 2008 I decided a 92 on 4H24 would just be framed by the station road bridge at Northampton, but unusually 4H24 had 92026 with 92029 dit! 1 August 2008 The reason for visiting Rugby was the closure of platform 4. Since the up goods was taken out, all southbound freight used platform 4, but with that temporarily closed to enable the new subway to be built, freight and passenger off the Trent Valley is using platform 2. 90045 was on the 4L75 Crewe-Felixstowe. 1 August 2008 Running an 0Z47 Crewe-Crewe via Northampton route learner for several days, 47815 returns from Northampton on the down fast at Rugby. 1 August 2008 92001 eases the 6O60 Mossend-Dollands Moor silver bullets around the S bend at the north of the station. Once complete, platform 2 with revert to being the down Trent Valley platform. 1 August 2008 Platform 1 currently serves all northbound stopping trains and all southbound trains off the Coventry line. A pendolino off the Trent Valley waits to depart platform 2 for Euston, 350120 also waits to head south to Northampton over what was the down goods flyover as 66594 heads north with the 4M81 Felixstowe-Trafford Park. 1 August 2008 Metronet 66722 on the 4L22 Hams Hall - Felixstowe with mainly MSC containers. 1 August 2008 Quite often a train passing behind the one being photographed can be a pain, but in this instance the containers on 4L90 help to disguise the fact that there are 3 empty flats behind 66728 on 4M23. 1 August 2008 Taken from the south end of platform 1, 66412 is in charge of 4M44 with a mixture of Malcolms and Stobart Rail containers. 1 August 2008 A poorly loaded 4M87 with 90016 in charge at the south end of Rugby station. Platform 2 is still cut short and the whole area behind the train is a mess of equipment and construction materials. 2 August 2008 With the prospect of 3 engineers trains from Forders on Saturday afternoon we headed to Stewartby. 150106 approaches Stewartby station from Bedford with the few remaining brickworks chimneys providing the backdrop. 2 August 2008 Second of the engineers trains to depart, 66161 pulls away with 6R22 to Northampton. The old Forders Sidings signal box, now boarded up, is just visible in the background. 4 August 2008 A brief visit to Wolverton works in the hope of catching 158908 leaving, but this was postponed a second time. 08629 shunts a 442 vehicle with 08649 visible behind. 4 August 2008 66173 coasts down towards Lidlington with an unidentified engineers train to Forders. 4 August 2008 An extremely unusual visitor this week was Fertis liveried 56007, seen dit behind 92036 on the 6X77 Wembley-Mossend at Bradwell. 1 August 2008 92042 in charge of a well loaded 4A10 Trafford Park-Wembley. 4 August 2008 37423 worked a tour of the Southern region on Tuesday and Wednesday push-pull with the observation saloon Caroline. The pair are seen at the second Lidlington foot crossing west of the station on 5Z01 Derby to Clapham. 4 August 2008 Tripped to Wembley from Old Oak Common earlier in the day, 56007 was conveyed to Warrington in 6X77 before being taken back to Crewe for 5 August 2008 Fortunately moving slowly after a crew change in the up goods loop, 31454 leads towards Tring. 6 August 2008 The first time I have tried this shot - 180103 rounds the curve at the back of Tescos and enters the works. 6 August 2008 180103 seen from the Community Centre car park. 8 August 2008 66502 heads north on the 4M51 Tilbury-Daventry at Linslade. 18 August 2008 Bradwell in the rain - not uncommon this summer! 66207 on 4A10. 18 August 2008 86604 solo on a poorly loaded 4M87. A really dark, wet and dismal afternoon - within 10 minutes of getting home the sun was out! 20 August 2008 With the engineering possession overrunning, 90041 heads south with 4L75 on the fast at Wolverton. 20 August 2008 Manchester Tram 1007 left Wolverton works on Wednesday afternoon after a long stay. As with previous trams, it is on accomodation bogies. 26 August 2008 90041 catches the shortlived early sun on 4L41 from Daventry-Felixstowe. 26 August 2008 66411 had arrived at Daventry in the early hours and was sent to Tilbury to rescue 66417. The pair are seen at Bradwell on a completely empty 4M71 to Daventry. 28 August 2008 A late evening visit to Wolverton for my last DRS 20 required for sight in Milton Keynes, 20311. 20310 is leading as the pair pass Wolverton at 2100 with 6K51 - earlier than the normal path. 29 August 2008 With no danger of sun this week, an afternoon visit to Bradwell for 4L75 which featured heavy haul 66555 and 90044. 66555 expired later on the GEML and the train was rescued by Cotswold's 47813! 5 August 2008 Hybrid 158908 formed of 57908 and 57842 leaving Wolverton works following collision damage repairs. 5 August 2008 Silver Northern liveried 57842 is seen bearing the temporary set number 158908 as the pair head under Stratford Road towards Centre Sidings. 5 August 2008 The original path on Friday was to have been via London, Swindon and Gloucester to Newton Heath, but today the set took a rather more direct route as 5Z69 11.25 Wolverton to Newton Heath via the WCML, running around 80 late through Wolverton station. 5 August 2008 A long while since we have had daylight 31s on a test train on the WCML, so 31459 and 31454 were very welcome visitors on Tuesday afternoon running a 1Z06 Old Oak Common to Old Oak Common working via Nuneaton, Tring and Nuneaton again. 5 August 2008 The light was bad enough when the 31s went north, but heavy rain had arrived by tea time as 90045 passes Bletchley on 4L92. 5 August 2008 31459 on the rear as they open up and head south. Having run to Tring the pair returned to Nuneaton later in the evening, but the light and rain meant no shot! 6 August 2008 Multiple signal failures at Rugby this week have meant disruption on 4 days. On Wednesday services were just resuming as 350101 heads to Northampton being overtaken on the fast at Wolverton by 66534 on 4M88. With pendolinos stranded north of the problems at Rugby, several of the freights took advantage of the empty fast lines this afternoon. 6 August 2008 92042 is on the slow at Wolverton with 4H17 running around 90 late. 6 August 2008 86639 and 86612 head north with 4M87 from Felixstowe to Trafford Park. 6 August 2008 I headed home after the 86s and had only just arrived home when a call came through from John and Pete that 180103 had arrived at Wolverton! It is seen coming out of the underpass to Centre Sidings. 6 August 2008 180103 heads for the works having arrived as the 5K82 Oxley-Wolverton via the GWML. 7 August 2008 As well as 1Z06 with the 31s, 2Q08 (Sprinter 950001) was due to run to Milton Keynes on Wednesday, but was turned back following the signal problems at Rugby. The third test train of the week was 1Q18 with overhead inspection car Mentor, seen at Bradwell returning from Euston to Crewe with 37602 and 37038 in charge. 7 August 2008 1Z06 was also a casualty of the signal problems on Wednesday with the run being cancelled. On Thursday evening it ran to Bletchley, again with 31454 and 31459, and is seen at Stoke Hammond just before 8pm on the return to Old Oak Common via St Albans Abbey. 7 August 2008 Thursday's stone empties were cancelled after problems unloading. 60059 sits opposite the deserted Bletchley depot at 20:20 on Thursday evening. The empties returned on Friday as 6H55 via Bedford to Peak Forest, although I just missed them at Bow Brickhill due to traffic! 8 August 2008 A visit to Linslade for 1Q18 was aborted as a message was received that it had not left Crewe! An hour sitting in the rain was not completely wasted as 90024 heads for Northampton on a training/test run with the WB64 set. 8 August 2008 A train I have never photographed off the Midland Mainline is the cartics to/from Corby which occasionally run via the branch. This is 66207 at Linslade on the 6O41 Corby-Dollands Moor empties. 8 August 2008 The light engine for the 6O68 Daventry-Grain and 6M11 return used to work to/from Bescot, but now seems to be working from Wembley. 66189 off this morning's 6M11 is working back to Wembley as 0A11 Daventry-Wembley Yd. Thanks to Freightmaster Online for the confirmation. 8 August 2008 Having just missed 60059 leaving Bletchley, a message was received that 1Q18 was on the move - it is seen passing Bradwell on the fast at 12:25 in the rain with 37605 and 37602 in charge. 8 August 2008 Waiting on the south footbridge for 1Q18 to return there is no real shot on the slow lines. This is 66415 on 4M71 to Daventry, but perhaps most of interest is the fact that the signs for the new

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]]> Tue Aug 5 2008 Milton Keynes Area July 2008 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1540601.html WCRC moves and more shots of the new platform 6 at Milton Keynes Central, start the month. More pictures under cloudy skies - an unexpected Fastline 66 the highlight. Updated 27 July for the 442 moves and a Merseyrail 508. Sunday 6 July 2008: WCRC moves and more shots of the new platform 6 at Milton Keynes Central, start the month. More pictures under cloudy skies - an unexpected Fastline 66 the highlight. Updated 27 July for the 442 moves and a Merseyrail 508.

1 July 2008 The changing face of London Midland: 321422 arrives at Wolverton with a Northampton-Euston service as 350117 waits to head north. 1 July 2008 After the trial from Ripple Lane on 12 June, 4M71 has started to run from Tilbury conveying mainly foodstuffs in tanktainers. 66410 was in charge at Bradwell. 1 July 2008 92036 on a well loaded 4H17. A couple of days this week it has seen just three pairs of twin flats - hardly a load for a 92. 1 July 2008 321420/419 head for Northampton at Wolverton. 1 July 2008 66047 in charge of 6M82 around 90 late after an afternoon of points failures, signal failures, heat related speed restrictions and failure of a 321 set. 1 July 2008 323213 is the latest to arrive Wolverton for repainting, but the departing unit was very late on Tuesday. 08629 propels 323206 towards centre sidings at 6pm, but it was not reported through Northampton until 19:50? 2 July 2008 My only shot on Wednesday and one caught by seconds, 47245 leads 47787 south through Bradwell with 99731 on a Carnforth - Stewarts Lane move running 80 minutes early. 3 July 2008 A lucky break in the cloud sees local regular 60063 on the 6H72 Bletchley-Peak Forest at Old farm Park just before noon. 3 July 2008 The only shot I managed in sun all afternoon was skoda 90047 on the 4L57 Daventry-Tilbury. A shame the sun wasn't out for the 86s on 4L75! 3 July 2008 Four attempts, one bowled by a pendolino, one distracted by a Scotrail 90 and this is the best I can manage of new GB 66728 on the 4M23 Felixstowe - Hams Hall at Bradwell. The back of the train was in full sun when it passed! 3 July 2008 A couple of shots in the June collection were taken from the Loughton footbridge visible at the north end of the station. This view is of 390008 departing from the new platform at Milton Keynes taken from the south footbridge to Loughton. 3 July 2008 90028 heads north with 1G21 through the new platform at Milton Keynes seen from the south footbridge to Loughton. 4 July 2008 The low numbered GB 66s have tended to stick around Whitemoor so 66707 is a welcome visitor working 0Z14 Peterborough-Wembley through Northampton which seemed a strange route! 4 July 2008 Just a handful of 350s are now in full blue/grey, 350109 arrives at Northampton to form the 1409 to Euston. 4 July 2008 90039/92002 head north through Northampton as 0Z23 from Wembley-Crewe. 4 July 2008 66722 is working a 4Z66 from Wembley to Doncaster with 17 new hoppers for fastline. It accelerates through platform 1 at Rugby. 4 July 2008 The new hoppers carry the GE logo for GE rail services and are numbered in the international series, this is 37 70 6791 033-3. 4 July 2008 325002 leads classmates 16 and 05 north at Wolverton on 1S96. 5 July 2008 A visit to Milton Keynes to track down 60085 caught 90020 heading north with the 4H17 Wembley-Trafford Park, despite the fact that Rugby is closed for passenger working on Saturdays several freights are booked through. 5 July 2008 60085 wasn't photographable from the footbridge as I had thought, it is standing just north of the old platform 5 which is severed at the south end and is photographed from in front of the multi storey car park at MK. 1 July 2008 I hadn't expected the NMT on the slow lines this week as going by it's normal fortnightly run it should have run on Wednesday. 43014 leads 43013 at Wolverton on the 1Q28 Derby-Euston-Crewe diagram. 4 July 2008 Once again the skoda on the Daventry-Tilbury catches the sun, when most other freight didn't! 90045 at Northampton. 8 July 2008 A third chance to get the special in sun and failed again. 47245 leads the 1Z47 return from Manchester Vic with 57601 providing the electric for the airconditioning on the rear. 10 July 2008 For as long as I can remember three stored coaches have been parked on a siding just in front of the lifting shop at Wolverton works, but this week they were moved adjacent to the Community Centre car park (thanks Rob!). This is an unidentified Virgin liveried MK3 - possibly 12074? 10 July 2008 The mark 2 BSO is the only one I have seen in use, being occasionally used as a barrier for the MK3 sleepers under refurbishment. 977359 was previously 9403. 11 July 2008 66567 heads south at Wolverton with the short but fully loaded 4L57. 11 July 2008 With all services heavily disrupted due to overhead line damage, freight was not in its normal paths and 6O60 caught me out. 92001 is in charge around 25 minutes early at Wolverton. 13 July 2008 Overrunning engineering work at Rugby meant heavy delays for the early trains. 57302 is hauling 390046 on the 1B14 Wolves - Euston at Wolverton just after 12.00 - around 80 late. 14 July 2008 A brief visit to Bradwell caught 66001 on a 5Z67 Crewe-Old Oak ecs comprising of FGW 15 July 2008 43014 leads 43013 south through a very dark Northampton on the 1Q28 Derby-Wembley measurement train. 17 July 2008 350109 again on the 14:21 to Euston awaiting departure from Wolverton. 18 July 2008 A cloudy afternoon gives the opportunity of capturing 4O90 at Bradwell which would normally be into the sun - maybe that's a bit optimistic for July 2008? What sun?! 56302 is in charge. 18 July 2008 The first 319/3 to come into Wolverton for refurbishment is the very tatty 319361, seen at Bradwell at 1745. 21 July 2008 The Daventry - Bescot cargowaggons starts back from Wembley on a Monday morning. 92001 is in charge of 6G62 at Old Linslade. 21 July 2008 The first of two 442 moves to Wolverton this week saw 66547 bring 442 2406 as the 5Z80 from Stewarts Lane. It is seen at Bradwell having been held to allow 08629 to return to centre sidings following delivery of the 323. 23 July 2008 A surprise and welcome pair of 86s on 4L57. 66574 was showing as allocated to 4M51/4L57 so when 86609/612 turned up at Wolverton I was very nearly caught out. 23 July 2008 66729 has been on 4M23 all week - seen at Wolverton. That's four of the five new GBs through Wolverton, with just 731 to go. 23 July 2008 As well as the 442s and 323 by rail, 158824 arrived Wolverton by road for accident damage repairs following a collision with a tractor near Chirk. 57824 awaits unloading in the works yard with a couple of 442 vehicles and 08649. 52824 arrived Thursday lunchtime. 24 July 2008 Reportedly leading as 20302 was low on fuel, 20307 leads the 6K51 Willesden - Crewe nose first at Wolverton 21:50. Running 10 minutes early avoids the normal clash with the up 321 and allows a little extra illumination from the car park lights... only a little! 25 July 2008 Just north of Stoke Hammond, 67003 makes a return visit with the 1Z86 Victoria - Knutsford VSOE. 67021 was on the rear. 25 July 2008 325001/16 returning from Bletchley on a test run to Wembley. 25 July 2008 66423 proved very difficult to track down when new, but is now my most photographed 66/4! - 4M71 at Soulbury. 25 July 2008 The second 442 move of the week was the first to feature EWS traction and also the uniquely liveried 2417. 67025 works 5Z67 from Brighton Lovers Walk to Wolverton 25 July 2008 2417 at Soulbury Road between Bletchley and Leighton Buzzard. 25 July 2008 6M82 has been loading well over recent weeks, so a surpise to see 66106 with just an empty IPA quad set. 25 July 2008 A second unit move and something a little different was 67005 taking 508127 to Wabtec at Doncaster via Wembley. 5X75 is passing Bradwell around 2 hours late, just after 8pm. 25 July 2008 Merseyrail liveried 508127 between barriers 975978 and 975974. Not the first time the 508s have been transferred to and from Birkenhead via the WCML, but the first time I have caught one on camera in the area. 28 July 2008 1G21 is withdrawn during the closure of the north flyover at Rugby, but 90020 was back out on 1G23, the 17:30 Euston-Birmingham seen approaching Milton Keynes Central. 31 July 2008 319455 left Wolverton on Wednesday, but the incoming working was delayed in the London area and finally arrived Thursday lunchtime. 319362 passes Bradwell - thanks to John F. 6 July 2008 The Northern Belle worked a lunch excursion on Saturday from Milton Keynes which I didn't know about and caught me by surprise on a Silverstone special on Sunday. The empty stock heads south through Bletchley with 67005 as I waited in the rain for the two Ronnies!

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]]> Sun Jul 6 2008 Milton Keynes Area June 2008 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1527960.html A mixed start with lots of cloud but a few surprises - early flasks, seven 86s on Friday 13th and an Adelante. 30 June sees the opening of the new down fast platform at Milton Keynes. Saturday 14 June 2008: A mixed start with lots of cloud but a few surprises - early flasks, seven 86s on Friday 13th and an Adelante. 30 June sees the opening of the new down fast platform at Milton Keynes.

2 June 2008 6H55 was back on the WCML again, but as a one off 1315 departure from Bletchley. 60068 passes Bradwell at 1330. 2 June 2008 66533 replacing the normal 90 on 4M81 at Bradwell on a gloomy Monday. 2 June 2008 Although the weather did improve somewhat, the light was fading fast as 5pm approached. 92041 hauls 92026 DIT in 6A42 at Wolverton. 2 June 2008 I decided to head for Soulbury, 6A42 was booked at Bletchley for an hour and Tangmere due a water stop. As I arrived Tangmere sailed through steaming well, no need for water, and 6A42 hadn't stopped either! Doing its impersonation of Tangmere, 56301 with a Northampton-Grain after 56303 failed on 30 May. 56301 was also to fail later in the week. 2 June 2008 Having missed Tangmere and 6A42, consolation was found in 6X77 which included 37401 and 37417 sandwiched between 92013 and 92029. 4 June 2008 A unproductive sunny day with just 350124 to show for it on the 1409 Northampton-Euston at Wolverton 5 June 2008 Thursday was sunny and promised so much - I just missed 4A27, messed up my shot of 4L41 and missed 60059 on the Bletchley-Peak Forest completely!! 350111 is a token record of a visit to Bradwell. 6 June 2008 Having missed 180110 when it worked from Crofton to Oxley previously I was lucky to catch the return working, though it was unfortunately on the fast at Wolverton limiting the shot. 6 June 2008 66017 was in charge of the 6A51 Coventry - Wembley perrier empties at Wolverton. 6 June 2008 Just after 1pm, 66415 leads 47802 south from Crewe to Wembley. 6 June 2008 47802 at Wolverton. 6 June 2008 After a couple of days working with 56301, 56311 was in sole charge of the 4O90 Birch Coppice to Grain in the rain at Wolverton. 8 June 2008 No Sunday morning drags this week, 390023 on 1B14 Wolves-Euston lost its 57 at Nuneaton and as a consequence was 30 minutes late passing Chelmscote. 9 June 2008 66723 heads north at Bletchley as 0L22 to Hams Hall to collect the afternoon Felixstowe liner. 9 June 2008 92030 leads 90039 in 6A42 from Warrington to Wembley at Milton Keynes, a train which it was suggested may convey the 87s on route to Bulgaria, but not to be. The new crossovers are visible underneath the reopened Loughton footbridge. 10 June 2008 A sunny start at Bradwell - 56311 on the empty 4M60 Grain to Trafford Park. 10 June 2008 An unexpected bonus on a visit to Wolverton for the 323 was 86639/86622/90041 heading 4L75 from Crewe-Felixstowe. 10 June 2008 323217 is the latest unit to arrive Wolverton for repainting as 323216 left later that afternoon in LM colours. 10 June 2008 350130 clinging on to its blue/grey livery, heads for Northampton at Bradwell. 10 June 2008 90042 in charge of a well loaded 4M87 at Castlethorpe. 10 June 2008 66101 with the 6M82 Wembley-Washwood Heath at Castlethorpe. 10 June 2008 The NMT on its fortnightly Tuesday Derby-Euston run on the slow lines is photographed at Ashton. 43014 and 43089 were the power cars. 10 June 2008 We made a quick move to Blisworth to catch Scotrail liveried 90021 on the 1G21 Euston-Wolverhampton. 12 June 2008 153356 slows for Ridgmont on the 1059 from Bletchley. 12 June 2008 The cows take little notice of the out of place Network WM liveried 150126 on the 10:51 Bedford-Bletchley. 12 June 2008 6H72 returned to its booked route with 60096 passing Ridgmont around an hour late. 12 June 2008 A trial run this week was a Daventry-Ripple Lane and return. 66416 leads a short train as 4M71 back from Ripple Lane at Bradwell. 12 June 2008 Last week the flasks ran early, so I though it worth another try. This time they ran almost 100 early as 20312/315 return a single flask from Dungeness to Sellafield as the 6K51 Willesden-Crewe. 13 June 2008 Friday the 13th was dark and cloudy but produced no less that seven 86s. 86604/637 were in charge of the 4L57 Daventry-Tilbury at Northampton, although at one stage a lengthy 4H17 looked as though it was going to wipe out this shot. 13 June 2008 350120 heads for Birmingham spot on time. 13 June 2008 66723 comes off the flyover at Rugby with 4M23. 13 June 2008 A second GB was 66709 on 4 gypsum flats from Mountfield to Stoke Marcroft. This working (4M19) ran as far as Wembley on Thursday. 13 June 2008 86638/612 were the second pair of the day, seen on 4M87 at Rugby. Later that evening 4L92 was in the hands of 86622/632. 13 June 2008 Heavily delayed, apparently due to the handbrake being left on 67023, 6X77 heads north at Wolverton just after 8pm. 92002 leads 37422, 67023 and 67001. 13 June 2008 37422 in 6X77 having returned from reinstatement at Eastleigh. 2 June 2008 By the time Tangmere was due the light had gone completely and she shut off as she came round the bend. A very dark record at Wolverton of the 5Z46 Carnforth-Southall 13 June 2008 90045 eases 4M81 through platform 2 at Northampton. 13 June 2008 Unusually running south through platform 2, 86501 leads the late running 4L75 Crewe-Felixstowe. The Bescot - Forders crept south through platform 1 behind this working so no shot! 13 June 2008 92019 rolls the Mossend - Dollands Moor empty tanks upto the signal to await departure of the Desiro. 17 June 2008 A rare sunny appearance for the Willesden - Tunstead. 60063, complete with replacement red cab window, providing the power. 16 June 2008 153375 heads for Bedford at Woburn Sands foot crossing. 16 June 2008 With the clouds becoming increasingly threatening I hadn't expected a sunny shot! 60009 at Woburn Sands with 6H72 Bletchley-Peak Forest. 16 June 2008 An afternoon which produced two NXEA 90s in contrasting liveries. 90009 returns to East Anglia in 4L75 behind 86501 at Wolverton showing its 16 June 2008 Going north to Crewe was 90003 in the new National Express livery, seen at Bradwell in 4M88 behind 90042. 16 June 2008 Closer view of 90003 Raedwald 16 June 2008 92007 heads north with 37401 in tow on the 6X77 Wembley-Mossend. 17 June 2008 4M88 doubleheaded again, this time 90041 with 66505 DIT at Bradwell. 19 June 2008 90046 remains unbranded on the side with the 5 grills. This, I think, is a completely empty 4M81 running virtually in the path of 4M88. 19 June 2008 4M88 was in the hands of solo 86, 86622 at Bradwell. 19 June 2008 Shots around Bradwell footbridge are getting increasingly restricted by tall nettles, 92029 heads south on 4A10.

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]]> Sat Jun 14 2008 Llangollen Railway Railcar Gala http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1517950.html The Llangollen Railway Railcar Gala featured 4 two car DMUs and former test car Iris, as well as the GWR autotrain. Tuesday 27 May 2008: The Llangollen Railway Railcar Gala featured 4 two car DMUs and former test car Iris, as well as the GWR autotrain.

18 May 2008 Derby Lightweight single car 79900 arrives at Llangollen 18 May 2008 The GWR autotrain arrives at Llangollen with 6430 between trailers 163 and 167, both dating from 1928. 18 May 2008 The autotrain stands at Carrog. 18 May 2008 6430 stands at Carrog, beyond the the bridge is the proposed extension to Corwen. 18 May 2008 Former Birkenhead based 03162 at Carrog 18 May 2008 6430 sandwiched between the autocoaches at Carrog 18 May 2008 79900 arrives at Carrog as the token is handed to the signalman. 18 May 2008 79900 was built in 1956 and was one of only two built. It is currently based on the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway at Wirksworth. 18 May 2008 The Derby Lightweight pair with a BRCW power twin approach Carrog. 18 May 2008 Derby Lightweight 51907/54490 was a Chester/Manchester based unit for most of its working life. 18 May 2008 The Wickham two car unit 50416/56171 stands at Llangollen coupled to Iris. 18 May 2008 The Wickham departs Llangollen. Five of these experimental units were built in 1957. 18 May 2008 BRCW class 104 50454/50528 is a power twin and is currently undergoing bodywork restoration. 18 May 2008 The class 108 and 104 stand at Llangollen. 18 May 2008 Having been split, the Derby class 108 heads for Carrog and is seen arriving at Berwyn 18 May 2008 Having crossed the 108 at Deeside loop, the pannier departs Berwyn for Llangollen.

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]]> Tue May 27 2008 May 2008 Miscellany http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1504643.html A small collection from a visit to Cheshire Sunday 4 May 2008: A small collection from a visit to Cheshire

16 May 2008 One of several breaks on the way to Cheshire was Atherstone, I hoped for the DRS modals and a pair of DRS 57s. In the end we missed the 57s and the DRS trains were both late! 92003 rounds the bend at the south end of the station with 4H24. 16 May 2008 I was caught out for a 4 loco convoy working to Wembley including two 67s, a Scotrail 90 and euro 66, but had completely forgotten about the China Clay tanks! 92042 heads south with 6O60 as the rain sets in. 172 May 2008 175005 heads for Chester near Beeston Castle - a much stronger livery than the faded version on 175110 seen at Crewe 17 May 2008 The reason for the visit to Beeston Castle was 4965 Rood Ashton Hall on the Tyseley-Llandudno Junction special seen in fine form despite the rain. 17 May 2008 4965 was a late substitute for Pitchford Hall after receiving an extension to its main line ticket. 19 May 2008 175110 arrives at Crewe in a variation of the Arriva livery. Not helped by being wrong side for the sun it is a pretty insipid colour scheme! 19 May 2008 60023 working an early 6M57 Lindsey-Kingsbury tanks at Tamworth 19 May 2008 Bearing its mixture of Midland Mainline, Central and Cross Country liveries, 170101 pauses at Tamworth on route to Derby. 19 May 2008 66089 passes Coventry with the 4O21 Hams Hall-Eastleigh intermodal. 19 May 2008 67012/67025 with the delayed 1J82 Marylebone-Wrexham at Coventry.

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]]> Sun May 4 2008 Milton Keynes Area May 2008 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1504636.html May starts where April left off - sun at the wrong times and heavy showers! 47501 plus visits to Ashton and Gordons Lodge, plus the Western on the branch. Updated for more 323s, the Northern Belle, EWS executive train and Tangmere. A varied final week sees the closure of Bletchley depot marked with the visit of the Duchess, departure of the Heathrow Express coach from Wolverton, a 158 and 47760 - all in very mixed weather! Sunday 4 May 2008: May starts where April left off - sun at the wrong times and heavy showers! 47501 plus visits to Ashton and Gordons Lodge, plus the Western on the branch. Updated for more 323s, the Northern Belle, EWS executive train and Tangmere. A varied final week sees the closure of Bletchley depot marked with the visit of the Duchess, departure of the Heathrow Express coach from Wolverton, a 158 and 47760 - all in very mixed weather!

1 May 2008 47501 heads for Wembley to work the Reading - Spalding pullman on Saturday. 2 May 2008 It was dark enough for 4L75 but the light just got worse for an hour or so. 86501 leads 90041 at Ashton on the Crewe-Felixstowe. 2 May 2008 6O60 had passed in rain and near ISO 1600 light, but the light had improved a little for 92039 on the Trafford Park - Wembley 2 May 2008 66506 heads north light engine at Ashton as the sun reappears. 2 May 2008 90042 was in charge of a late running 4M87. 2 May 2008 A minute or so later and the Grid would have been in full sun. 56301 on a well loaded train from Birch Coppice at Ashton. 3 May 2008 With the WCML blockade, four engineering trains were noted around Milton Keynes. 60071 is parked south of the footbridge at Bradwell although the stream was rather wider than anticpated to get to this shot and I didn't quite manage to clear it on the way back! 6 May 2008 A return visit for test unit 950001 on the branch working as 2Q08 from Derby to Milton Keynes approaching Lidlington. Whether it reached MK I do not know as the services around Bletchley were suspended following a power failure. 6 May 2008 60059 was at Forders, but sadly not photographable. 66089 pulls out on an early Forders - Toton. 23 May 2008 A couple of minutes after the Northern Belle from Bolton, 1Z05 heads north in pouring rain at Bradwell with 67029 propelling 82146 heading from Watford to Bescot and Hams Hall 29 May 2008 With just eight units retaining the old livery and three more having lost their blue window vinyls, a rare shot of 350117 and 350125 both minus the blue vinyls. 30 May 2008 Thanks to Simon for the tip off on this one - 6G15 from Forders to Bescot was unusually top and tailed by 60017 and 60079. 60017 leads onto the flyover at Bletchley from Forders. 6 May 2008 08578 is not normally easily photographed. It is seen shunting a rake of autoballasters at Forders. It may not be the easiest loco to spot, but obviously the graffiti artists manage to find it! 7 May 2008 My first first to Gordons Lodge sees 92029 head north with 4H17. This location offers an excellent southbound shot, but northbound is quite limited. 7 May 2008 The latest unit to arrive at Wolverton for repainting is 323210, seen passing Gordons Lodge on the fast having run from Soho via Weedon. 7 May 2008 321423 heads south. The risk of getting bowled by trains on the fast line was increased with Pendolinos pulling up at the signal and 6A51 sailed through behind a Pendolino shortly before this! 7 May 2008 4L75 featured 86604 DIT behind 90042, seen approaching a red light at Gordons Lodge. 7 May 2008 66502 at Gordons Lodge on 4L57 from Daventry. 7 May 2008 A very short Bescot-Forders with 66127 in charge passes Gordons Lodge. 7 May 2008 There were signal problems all afternoon at Hanslope as there have been most of the week. 321404 heads north as 350116 slows for the read light at Gordons Lodge protecting Hanslope Jct. 7 May 2008 92015 heads south on a well loaded 4A10 at Gordons Lodge. 7 May 2008 I managed to miss 60059 at Ashton, so headed for the A5 where it is seen running as 0T81 to Forders. 7 May 2008 90020 heads north at Milton Keynes with 1G21. Work on the new down fast seems to have progressed well with track extended northwards and more work done on the catenary 7 May 2008 325007 leads 1S96 north at Milton Keynes 8 May 2008 A choice between the Swanage convoy at Banbury and the Western on the branch. It is not every day that a Western heads along the Bletchley-Bedford, so an easy choice to make! 8 May 2008 D1015 drops down towards Lidlington, on route to Butterley and Barrow Hill to collect locos for the NYMR gala. 8 May 2008 An early evening visit to Wolverton catches 56303 on the Doncaster - Grain running around an hour late. 8 May 2008 Just before 8pm 92022 heads the 6L48 (mainly) empty cartics south through Wolverton. I say mainly, as there were new vehicles on the back, although I don't recall what they were! 8 May 2008 56301 thunders through Wolverton with the second Fastline working, 4O60 from Trafford Park, also about 30 late. 8 May 2008 DRS Hire In 66423 worked light from Gresty Road to take charge of the 4O13 Daventry - Southampton, so presumably the rostered loco was required to cover a failure? 9 May 2008 Not many daylight pairs of 86s so far this month. 86627/38 were in charge of 4L75 at Wolverton and 86638 seems to have had some work undertaken on the cabs as new paintwork is in evidence. 9 May 2008 350101 is the latest to lose the blue window vinyls and is presumably next in line for the LM vinyls. It departs Wolverton for Northampton. 9 May 2008 Loadings on 4A10 have improved this week. 92007 approaches Wolverton. 9 May 2008 Sun at last for 6O60, even if it was fairly watery! 92037 on the bends north of Wolverton. 9 May 2008 More signal problems at Hanslope as 321427/419 approach Wolverton, having taken around 50 minutes from Northampton instead of 15! 10 May 2008 Seven new Fastline IIA coal hoppers were collected from Wembley and taken to Hexthorpe Road, Doncaster by 66430 running as 4Z75. They are seen approaching Castlethorpe at 2pm on Saturday afternoon and are now in service on the new Daw Mill-Ratcliffe service. 10 May 2008 350125 heads north at Castlethorpe 10 May 2008 A bonus on the visit for 4Z75 was a triple headed 4H17 Wembley-Trafford Park. 90019 provides the power with 90026 and 92042 DIT. 13 May 2008 86639 failed on the GE main line with 4M41 to Daventry last night and was rescued by 90042. The pair are seen returning through Bradwell with the 4L41 Daventry-Felixstowe. 13 May 2008 66110 heads a late running Wembley-Washwood Heath cars at Bradwell 13 May 2008 I hadn't seen the return times for the Western, so was surprised when a message was received that it had passed Wellingborough on its way back to Old Oak. It is seen passing Aspley Guise although sadly the sun disappeared seconds before. 14 May 2008 An extended possession on the slow lines meant that all trains were using the fast - not ideal for photography. 321411 pauses at platform 1 on a Northampton service. 14 May 2008 Unable to access the works because of the possession, 323207 arrives at Wolverton after a wait of 2 hours at Northampton. 14 May 2008 323207 is hauled into the works by 08629. 14 May 2008 A last view of 323207 in Centro livery. A week later it departed in London Midland City colours. 14 May 2008 Recording the arrival of 321405 at Wolverton on a Northampton - Euston service 14 May 2008 92013 on a very late running 4O33 Trafford Park - Dollands Moor service conveying the GTS containers for Bari 14 May 2008 323210 passes Castlethorpe on its way back to Soho from Wolverton 15 May 2008 86638 working 4M88 at Wolverton, one of several to have had work done on the cab as evidenced by the new paintwork. 15 May 2008 Tangmere made a welcome return although the weather was not favourable! She worked from Southall to Carnforth on a day disrupted by further power and signal failures.

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]]> Sun May 4 2008 Wolverton Works moves w/e 2 May 2008 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1504006.html Two 323s and the 466 leave the works. Friday 2 May 2008: Two 323s and the 466 leave the works.

29 April 2008 Departure of 323208 was delayed from Friday. It is seen being shunted out under Stratford Road by 08629. 29 April 2008 08629 pushes 323208 towards the distribution centre crossing. The undergrowth on this stretch has been completely cleared in the last couple of weeks. 2 May 2008 Shortly after 1pm coach 78352 from 466041 is guided out of the works. The cable visible on the right is the connection for the remote rear steering as the operator stops the traffic. 2 May 2008 466041 arrived at Wolverton by road from Crewe on 27 June 2007. It was damaged by a collision with a cherry picker in February 2007. 2 May 2008 The Allelys low loader pulls forward. The rear steering is still being controlled to allow negotiation of the traffic calming on Stratford Road. The second low loader was just arriving to collect coach 64900. 2 May 2008 78352 on route to Ashford near Greenleys. The 466 was transferred from Ashford to Slade Green between 465048 and 465191 on Saturday. 2 May 2008 A second 323 left the works on Friday, 323209 seen heading for Soho at Ashton. There was no incoming unit today due to the bank holiday, one is expected Tuesday.

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]]> Fri May 2 2008 A few from Kent and East Sussex http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1499783.html 20's on the Dungeness flasks, Tangmere, Eurostars and 171s in rather mixed weather! Wednesday 16 April 2008: 20's on the Dungeness flasks, Tangmere, Eurostars and 171s in rather mixed weather!

16 April 2008 Timed perfectly after our journey from Milton Keynes, the flasks from Dungeness en route to Sellafield. The road bridge at the former Lydd station can be seen in the distance. 16 April 2008 20302 and 20306 approach Swamp Crossing, a couple of miles from Dungeness, 16 April 2008 The Dungeness branch has over a dozen level crossings, plus numerous farm crossings, so progress is slow. 16 April 2008 6M95 runs from Dungeness to Willesden. This shot is approaching the main A259 crossing. 16 April 2008 20302/306 slow for the A259. 16 April 2008 On receiving confirmation that the crossing lights are activated the 20s pull slowly forward towards Appledore. 16 April 2008 With the 171 departed for Ashford the 20s pull out onto the main line and through Appledore station on route to Willesden. 17 April 2008 Not all plans work out! A sunny hour and I had planned to photograph a 66 passing the windmill, but the windmill at Rye is shrouded in scaffolding, the 171 service disrupted due to problems near Brighton and the GBRF route learner I had gone to photograph was diverted! 18 April 2008 A damp cloudy Friday is not the best day to photograph Eurostars at speed! 373019/20 pass 375904 as they head for the tunnel at Sevenham near Ashford. 18 April 2008 A lucky break was the appearance of 66084 on the 6O41 Corby-Dollands Moor empty cartics. 18 April 2008 373221/2 on the last leg of the journey towards St Pancras International at Sevenham. 18 April 2008 171722 heads for Ashford at Winchelsea Road 19 April 2008 Stopping services on the Ashford - Maidstone East - Victoria line were in the hands of 456/9s, whilst fast services were operated by 375s. 465905 arrives at Lenham on route to Victoria. 19 April 2008 Tangmere worked a 60th birthday special from Weybridge to Canterbury and is seen pulling into Lenham loop in the rain. 19 April 2008 Tangmere draws slowly forward in the loop. The stock is the Queen of Scots set with 73136 on the rear. 19 April 2008 Getting a clear photograph was difficult as the steam was swirling around and the rain getting heavier. The hose to the road water tanker is just visible leading up into the bushes. 19 April 2008 Tangmere departs the Lenham waterstop and heads for Ashford and Canterbury as the rain gets worse. 19 April 2008 73136 Perseverance on the back of the special through Tangmere's steam! 20 April 2008 Kent and East Sussex Railway Austerity 21 April 2008 Rye is the crossing point for the services between Brighton and Ashford and still has a staffed signal box controlling the two crossings. 171728 arrives from Brighton. 21 April 2008 171723 departs with the service for Brighton.

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]]> Wed Apr 16 2008 East Coast Mainline 2008 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1492855.html Including a couple of visits to see 86101 on the Hull Trains workings Sunday 13 April 2008: Including a couple of visits to see 86101 on the Hull Trains workings

10 February 2008 After one failed attempt to see the 86 in action on the ECML, we made it to Sunderland Road Industrial Estate, Sandy (taken from www.trainspots.com) to see 5G02 in lovely light. 10 February 2008 86101 looks superb as she heads the empty stock from Doncaster to Bounds Green at Sandy. 10 February 2008 In almost an hour at Sandy I didn't get to photograph a southbound GNER or I should say NXEC service. 91121 heads north with the white NX East Coast stripes. 10 February 2008 365519/527 head north with a Peterborough service. 10 February 2008 365538 approaching Sandy. 10 February 2008 43107 leads with re-engined 43367 on the rear. 13 April 2008 91116 leads the 1030 Kings Cross-Glasgow at Arlesey 13 April 2008 Scheduled to be its last full weekend on the Hull Trains service, 82115 leads the 1042 Kings Cross-Doncaster at Arlesey. 13 April 2008 86101 at around 100mph - hopefully it will be back on the main line soon. 13 April 2008 86101 propelling 1G42 north at Arlesey 13 April 2008 Hard to believe that the 86 is finishing after four months of hire to Hull Trains..... and the sun was out just beyond the front of the train! 13 April 2008 66186 heads south at Arlesey with the 6H67 Peterborough - Stevenage self discharge train. 13 April 2008 The 1100 Kings Cross - Aberdeen 'Northern Lights' at Arlesey with 43057 and 43309. 13 April 2008 Bringing up the rear on the Aberdeen service was 43309 in NXEC livery. 13 April 2008 82210 leads the 9am from Edinburgh south at Sandy with 91102 propelling out of sight at the rear. 13 April 2008 91118 in the rain at Sandy on the 1330 Kings Cross - Edinburgh 13 April 2008 Fortunately the hailstorm had passed but it was still raining heavily when 86101 passed Sandy on the return 5G02 Doncaster-Bounds Green ECS with the spray from the pantograph adding to the effect. 13 April 2008 The 1345 Kings Cross-Sunderland Grand Central service with 43067 leading 43084. An hour earlier 43080 and on hire Midland Mainline liveried 43166 had also worked north in the middle of the hailstorm. 13 April 2008 365531/525 arrive at Sandy with a Kings Cross service. 22 October 2008 A visit to Peterborough with John F on Wednesday, a difficult place for photographing freight on a sunny day, but plenty of variety. 66003 was on the 6L39 Mountsorrel-Norwich loaded 4 whl hoppers 22 October 2008 Only the second time I have seen a Grand Central since introduction, 43065/68 with the 1127 Kings Cross-Sunderland 22 October 2008 All three Hull 222s were seen, but also 180110. Immediately preceding a 222 I'm not sure which was running on the 1148 to Hull. 22 October 2008 Another view of the Adelante which now carries First Hull Trains branding. 22 October 2008 222102 following closely behind 180110 at Peterborough. 22 October 2008 Demonstrating the problems of photographing the freight into the sun, 60038 on 6M70 from Chesterton Jct to Mountsorrel in the loop at Peterborough behind platform 5. 22 October 2008 66016 is on the 6E84 Middleton Towers-Monk Bretton loaded sand hoppers 22 October 2008 66532 pulls into the loop on the 4L85 Leeds-Felixstowe liner 22 October 2008 Third 22 October 2008 43305 leads the Highland Chieftain south through Peterborough. 22 October 2008 I was surprised to see HSTs on the Leeds services. 43313/367 on the 1505 Leeds-Kings Cross pulling into platform 2 at Peterborough. 22 October 2008 153374 displaying the bright EMT colours arriving at Peterborough. 22 October 2008 Another first for me was seeing the NXEC livery. A number of powercars and HST sets were seen, but no complete trains in the new livery. 43306/300 are paired with GNER liveried stock carrying the NXEC white stripe. 22 October 2008 91130 heads north on one of relatively few NXEC services which don't stop at Peterborough. 22 October 2008 82207 leads 91128 south on the 1205 Leeds - Kings Cross 22 October 2008 East Midlands 153s were seen in four different liveries! After 153385 in former Central green, this is 153310 in Northern blue on a Peterborough - Lincoln service. 22 October 2008 67027 appeared from the north on what appeared to be routelearner as it returned north light. This was presumably doubling as the Peterborough thunderbird? 22 October 2008 22 October 2008 Former Midland Mainline and Central 170113 on a Cross Country service to Standsted. 22 October 2008 Hull Trains 222104 heads south. 22 October 2008 A signal check on 222101 heading north gives the opportunity of photographing the Hull logos which presumably will disappear if the 222s are transferred away? 22 October 2008 66121 arrives with the Plasmor empties from Bow to Heck which sit at Peterborough for a couple of hours. 22 October 2008 43080/123 on the 1230 Grand Central from Sunderland. 22 October 2008 EMT Liverpool services were starting at Chesterfield due to engineering works. 158785 arrives at Peterborough.

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]]> Sun Apr 13 2008 Milton Keynes Area - April 2008 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1488231.html Grand National specials, visits to Ashton and Linslade, plus daytime class 86 action and the class 323 moves. 86101 returning to Crewe from Bounds Green on Sunday evening - magic!! Separate galleries for 180105 and some of the works moves Sunday 6 April 2008: Grand National specials, visits to Ashton and Linslade, plus daytime class 86 action and the class 323 moves. 86101 returning to Crewe from Bounds Green on Sunday evening - magic!! Separate galleries for 180105 and some of the works moves

1 April 2008 66534 passes under Soulbury Road with 4L57. 1 April 2008 92002 in charge of the 4H17 Wembley-Trafford Park 1 April 2008 The run of luck with the sun continued on a day which was probably 3/4 cloud! Metronet 66722 on 4M23 was one of 3 in the area, 66720 was on 4L22 and 66721 on 0Z66 to collect two FGW coaches from Wolverton. 1 April 2008 DRS hire in 66409 returned with the 4M88 Felixstowe-Crewe at Soulbury 1 April 2008 350111 about to be passed by a pendolino at Soulbury. 1 April 2008 Running around 40 minutes late, but finally a clear shot of this train in sun, 60090 on 6H50 Willesden - Tunstead. 2 April 2008 I was hoping 6A15 to Forders would also be on the fast, it wasn't, but at least a shot of 66196 being overtaken by 390038 provides a little variety. 3 April 2008 323204 continues the numerical sequence of units coming to Wolverton for repainting. It is seen at Ashton, running as 5Z33 from Soho. 3 April 2008 4H17 again, this time in the hands of 92013 Puccini. 3 April 2008 6M82 conveying exclusively Landrovers today behind 66106 at Ashton. 3 April 2008 A welcome bonus was 47848 heading from Wembley to Crewe at Ashton. 3 April 2008 A full load for the Grid which could be heard in the distance powering through Roade cutting. 56301 on 4O90 at Ashton. 5 April 2008 Two specials ran to the Grand National. 67029 and 67021 top and tailed the Northern Belle set on 1Z58 from Euston to Edge Hill at Bradwell 5 April 2008 The southbound Bari - 4O33 from Trafford Park to Dollands Moor behind 92030 at Bradwell. 5 April 2008 The second special was the 'proper' Orient Express rake with 67017 and 67025 running as 1Z88 Victoria-Edge Hill. 5 April 2008 67025 on the rear of 1Z88 at Bradwell 2 April 2008 With the slow lines shut, 90016 was on the fast at Wolverton with 4L75 - another almost empty working. 3 April 2008 Another empty train - must be 4L75! A solo can, 86639, provides a bit of variety though. 28 April 2008 150122 heads for Bedford at Lidlington. I don't normally use photoshop to alter pictures other than cropping or amending exposure, but in this instance removed the pylon sprouting from the cab roof! 28 April 2008 As soon as the Bardons had cleared, 56301 heads south with the 4O90 Doncaster - Grain 6 April 2008 What little snow we had was melting rapidly when 57315 passed Bradwell with the 1B01 Wolverhampton-Euston 6 April 2008 66075 was one of at least 5 engineers workings in connection with track relaying work around Woburn Sands and Aspley Guise. It is seen at Woburn Sands station. 8 April 2008 92042 rounds the curve at Old Linslade with the 4H17 Wembley-Trafford Park 8 April 2008 Plenty of daytime 86 action this week, 86501 with the 4M88 Felixstowe-Crewe at Linslade. 8 April 2008 A second solo 86, this time 86610 on the lightly loaded and late running 4L75. 8 April 2008 A short formation for the Wembley-Washwood Heath with four pairs of empty cartics and an Italian cargowaggon behind 66065. 8 April 2008 The Tuesdays and Fridays only 8 April 2008 66720 heads south on 4L22 at Linslade with the Grand Union canal in the background. 8 April 2008 A shot I intended to do with either 1G21 or 4O90, but 1G21 was a pendolino and 4O90 very late! A Pendolino heads for Euston at Old Linslade. 8 April 2008 321434 with the 1703 Northampton-Euston. 9 April 2008 Early morning at Bradwell hoping for an 86 on 4L41 - that turned up with 66580! This is 92017 on the Trafford Pk-Wembley instead! 9 April 2008 86501 today working the 4M81 Felixstowe-Ditton at Ashton 9 April 2008 A rare full load for 4L75 behind 90045 at Ashton 9 April 2008 Dwarfed by the superscale WCML signal gantry, 60048 rolls its train of JNAs from Bescot to Forders through Ashton 9 April 2008 4M88 also had a solo 86, this time 86627. 9 April 2008 90018 crosses the A5 at Redmoor with 1G21 from Euston to Birmingham 9 April 2008 Shortly behind 1S96, 47815 heads for Warrington as the Royal Mail standby loco as a 321 heads for Euston. 9 April 2008 321424/412 head for Northampton at Redmoor 9 April 2008 92022 on the Wembley-Mossend with a good load of Ford cars catching the last of the sun at Redmoor. 9 April 2008 A few minutes after the sun sank behind the clouds 60048 pulled off the flyover and onto the mainline with the 6G15 Forders-Bescot, probably track lifted around Aspley Guise the previous weekend? 9 April 2008 Just before 7pm and running over 4 hours late 66718 leads 66712 on 4M23 from Felixstowe to Hams Hall. 66712 had reportedly failed with an AWS fault and 66718 was fetched from Harwich to assist. 10 April 2008 Thursday looked promising with a sunny morning forecast to photograph 6H72 and the Stobart Pullman to Leicester along the Marston Vale line. The Stobart Pullman was cancelled, but by luck I did catch 6H72 running 3 hours late at 1315 passing Bow Brickhill behind 60029. 10 April 2008 86637/610 were in charge of 4M81 approaching Soulbury Road. 11 April 2008 321417 arrives at Wolverton on another afternoon of brief sun and heavy showers. 11 April 2008 The final appearance for 86501 this week on the 4L75 Crewe-Felixstowe. 11 April 2008 66539 was in trouble on the 4L57 Daventry - Tilbury, so 66571 was borrowed from the evening Southampton working to assist. The pair are seen at Wolverton. 4O13 that evening was worked by DRS hire in 66417. 11 April 2008 With just under half the class in LM livery, the rebranding seems to have come to a stand over the past month or so. 350127 departs Wolverton for Northampton under threatening skies. 11 April 2008 6O60 in rare sun at Wolverton behind 92036. 11 April 2008 56301 just a few minutes down following signalling problems at Hanslope on 4O90. 14 April 2008 Departure of the fourth reliveried 323 from Wolverton works was delayed from last week and 323205 arrived on Friday. 323204 is pushed by 08629 towards the main line.

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]]> Sun Apr 6 2008 180105 departs Wolverton Works http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1488193.html 180105 arrived by road in June 2007. After protracted repairs the unit was returned to Old Oak Common on 4 April 2008. Friday 4 April 2008: 180105 arrived by road in June 2007. After protracted repairs the unit was returned to Old Oak Common on 4 April 2008.

14 June 2007 180105 arrived by road from Old Oak Common following its driveshaft/gearbox failure in April 2007. 4 April 2008 Just after 1.30 pm, 08629 drew the Adelante out of the lifting shop at Wolverton. 4 April 2008 59905 showing much of the new underfloor equipment. The set appeared to have been stripped below floor level when it arrived at Wolverton. 4 April 2008 Broadside view of 59905 as it is shunted in the works. 4 April 2008 08629 sets the unit back into yard behind Camden's garages where it was to sit for almost 3.5 hours before departure. 4 April 2008 59905 leading as the set finally makes for the main line. 4 April 2008 180105 heads under Stratford Road. 4 April 2008 180105 heading towards Centre Sidings. Normally quite a comfortable shot to take after the one on the bridge, but today a shunter was stationed at the Distribution Centre crossing so the unit didn't have to stop. 4 April 2008 180105 dives under the West Coast main line on the exit from the works, before setting back into Centre Sidings. 4 April 2008 Just after 1730, almost 3 hours late, 180105 passing Bradwell with 5V66 to Old Oak. As the unit left in rush hour, my intended shot south of Milton Keynes was not possible and I had to make do with this shot into the sun.

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]]> Fri Apr 4 2008 Milton Keynes Area March 2008 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1472249.html Loadhaul Tug on 6H50, a very late sleeper and more Sunday drags. Also the Cheltenham Race Specials, 86s at Wolverton and One liveried 90s. Updated for the new footbridge at Milton Keynes, another very later sleeper and 47815 on the mail. Finally 60056 on the 6A42 Warrington-Wembley. Departure of 323201 in the Wolverton moves gallery. Sunday 9 March 2008: Loadhaul Tug on 6H50, a very late sleeper and more Sunday drags. Also the Cheltenham Race Specials, 86s at Wolverton and One liveried 90s. Updated for the new footbridge at Milton Keynes, another very later sleeper and 47815 on the mail. Finally 60056 on the 6A42 Warrington-Wembley. Departure of 323201 in the Wolverton moves gallery.

2 March 2008 Running about 40 minutes late, 57312 leads 390001 on 1B01 at Soulbury Road passing 66015 shut down on an engineers train, one of 5 between here and Linslade. 4 March 2008 An afternoon of sunny intervals and cloud sees 92037 just catching the sun on a delayed 4H24 to Trafford Park. 4 March 2008 The shot I really wanted in sun! Loadhaul liveried 60059 on the Willesden-Tunstead cement empties approaching Soulbury 4 March 2008 Just a few minutes later and perfect conditions for 66727 on 4M23, even if I did take the shot on ISO 800 by accident! 4 March 2008 At least the sun stayed out for 0Z37. 37038 worked from Norwich to Crewe and collected 47802 from Wembley. 4 March 2008 Taken about 100yards further south, 90042 with the Felixstowe-Trafford Park liner. A wider angle shot here will bring the dreaded security fencing into shot. 6 March 2008 A brief visit to Bradwell on a dark morning for the late running sleeper. 66542 with the Crewe-Thamesport liner just after 10am. 6 March 2008 Running around 200 minutes late, 90021 hauls the 1M16 Inverness - Euston sleeper through Bradwell. The train was delayed due to overhead line damage around Lockerbie, but following 4O86 through Northampton didn't help! 6 March 2008 False Alarm! The barriers descended at Woburn Sands and I assumed the 60 was on its way. Instead DR73271 heads for Forders! 6 March 2008 60052 making a repeat appearance on 6H72 Bletchley-Peak Forest, following close behind 153371 on the 10:59 Bletchley-Bedford. 6 March 2008 The Crewe-Southampton has never loaded well, but recently has been completely empty as seen behind 66579 at Bletchley. 4L93 waits in the loop. 6 March 2008 Almost half the 350s are now in LM colours, but hybrid unit 350108 (still reformed with a car from 350105) remains in the old grey livery on the 1209 Northampton-Euston. 6 March 2008 With the Desiro departed, 66503 pulls away with the 4L93 Lawley Street-Felixstowe. 6 March 2008 153371 has replaced 153334 on the branch and awaits departure from Bletchley with the 12:59 to Bedford. A 150 (currently 150124) remains on the alternate service which carries heavier school traffic. 6 March 2008 Almost bowled by the departure of 350121, I have had to heavily crop this picture of 313042 returning to Hornsey following crash repairs at Wolverton. Interestingly the number and logos are covered, just as they were when it arrived by road. 26 March 2008 350111 West Coast Desiro - Apollo 9 March 2008 Not the shot I had intended due to on track excavators around Chelmscote, but a different view of 57308 approaching Stoke Hammond with 1B01. 10 March 2008 The Coventry - Wembley is very variable in its timings. With a short formation it passes Soulbury Road at 10.45 about 2.5 hours early behind 66122 11 March 2008 A visit to Old Linslade for the first Cheltenham Race special produced 92001 on 4A27 from Trafford Park to Wembley. 11 March 2008 The Cheltenham Race special operated on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday this week with Wednesday's train cancelled due to the gales and cancellation of the racing. 67005 leading with 67006 on the rear on 1Z21. 12 March 2008 66540 in charge of the Daventry - Felixstowe at Wolverton 12 March 2008 60021 followed with the 6A15 Bescot-Forders, though sadly the sun didn't hold. 12 March 2008 A second attempt for 60021 in sun was equally unsuccessful! 60021 heads for Forders at Ridgmont. 13 March 2008 A rare pair of green 90's. 90016 leads 90041 on 4M45 at Linslade. 13 March 2008 56303 catches the sun on 4M60 from Grain to Trafford Park. Sadly still with not a box in sight. 13 March 2008 The 6M11 Grain - Daventry normally loads well, but yesterday's gales mean a virtually empty train behind 66011. 13 March 2008 For a while the down slow and up fast were closed. 390041 heads for Euston under caution behind a 321. 13 March 2008 325004 and 325005 on the 1F00 Willesden - Warrington. The last vehicle lacks the Royal Mail logo and any coach ID. 13 March 2008 92013 on 4A27 in the hazy morning sun. 13 March 2008 86622 in charge of a fully loaded 4L41 Daventry-Felixstowe at Old Linslade. 13 March 2008 The Race Special was also on the fast. 67006 leads 1Z21 to Cheltenham a few minutes down at 9.05. 13 March 2008 67005 on the rear of 1Z21. As in previous years the train returns via the GWML. 14 March 2008 Sadly a poorly loaded train this morning. 86622 with 4L41 at Soulbury Road. 14 March 2008 67005 and 67006 on the 1Z21 Euston-Cheltenham at Soulbury Road. 14 March 2008 Class 86 activity in daytime has been very limited but Friday saw two pairs. 86627 and 86612 were working a 4Z81 Basford Hall-Tilbury at Wolverton 14 March 2008 6A51 in its booked path behind 66146 at Wolverton 14 March 2008 The WFO Bescot-Forders today in the hands of 66070. 14 March 2008 The second pair of 86s worked to Daventry with 4M51 and returned on 4L57 Daventry-Tilbury, the first time I have seen anything other than a 66 on this working. 86604/637 pass Wolverton. 14 March 2008 350119 with the 1409 Northampton-Euston 14 March 2008 Another bonus on Friday was One liveried 90015 returning to East Anglia behind 90045 in 4L75. 14 March 2008 Already having lost its One logos and with many of its classmates having the coloured stripes removed this is possibly the last time we shall see this livery at Wolverton? 14 March 2008 The curse of 6O60! With 6O60 running a little late, the sun had well and truly disappeared. Those tanks are looking a little dirty too. 14 March 2008 66726 in charge of 4L22 at Wolverton. 14 March 2008 Plenty of class 92 action this afternoon with 4H24, 4H17, 6O60, 4A10 and 4M32 all worked by the class. 92003 is on the 14 March 2008 A first view of 4O90 at Wolverton this year. A grubby 56301 in charge but still easily the best noise of the afternoon! 17 March 2008 An unsuccessful visit to Bradwell for a pair of 86s on 4M88. 350122 catches the sun nicely though as it heads north. 17 March 2008 4M87 was in the hands of 90043 with 66532 DIT. By this time the light was fading fast and I decided to abandon 4M88 which passed about 25 minutes later. 18 March 2008 A workstained 60089 heads north at Wolverton with the 6H50 Willesden-Tunstead. 18 March 2008 Following behind 6H50 was 92030 on a well loaded 4H17 Wembley-Trafford Park conveying traffic from Duisburg. 18 March 2008 Having failed on its return from Brush to Wembley last week, 47501 was taken to Crewe. This time she heads south more sucessfully as 0Z47 to Wembley to take up duties on the Stobart Pullman to Scotland.

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]]> Sun Mar 9 2008 Wolverton Works Moves w/e 7 March 2008 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1470102.html The first London Midland City liveried 323 and more FGW sleeper refurbishments. 313042 also left the works this week - see Milton Keynes March gallery. Wednesday 5 March 2008: The first London Midland City liveried 323 and more FGW sleeper refurbishments. 313042 also left the works this week - see Milton Keynes March gallery.

3 March 2008 66718 doing the honours again with 5M66 from old Oak Common. This time with sleeper 10612 passing Bradwell. 5 March 2008 First of the refurbished TSO's for the Night Riviera is 12161 being taken to the main line by 08629. 5 March 2008 The 08 propels 12161 towards the dive under and centre sidings where 66714 was waiting to take it forward to Old Oak Common. This is a new location for me south of the Distribution Centre crossing on McConnell Drive although the background is very messy, part construction site and part storage for Network Rail. 5 March 2008 The second 323 to arrive for repainting, and numerically second in class, 323202 arrives from Soho having been delayed by a slow line engineering possession. Access to/from centre sidings is only available from the up and down slow. 5 March 2008 After a long wait for some final adjustments and photos before departure, 08629 draws 323201 forward. 5 March 2008 A side on shot of the 323 showing the London Midland City livery with the extended bright green which I think works better than thin band on the 350s. Not the first time I have cursed that forklift when shooting from this position! 5 March 2008 08629 propels the 323 under Stratford Road. I hadn't appreciated the light clusters were black at one end and yellow at the other! 5 March 2008 The new livery suits the 323 well. 5 March 2008 London Midland City branding. Note that the side destination displays are plated over although this appears to have been done some time before repainting. 5 March 2008 08629 propels the 323 to the dive under. This shot has been opened up by clearance of vegetation. 5 March 2008 By the time 323201 left for Soho at 1656 it was almost dark. Booked time for 5Z24 from Wolverton is 1525.

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]]> Wed Mar 5 2008 Milton Keynes Area February 2008 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1452629.html Starts with 57s on the mail and Sunday drags. Updated for works moves and several days of very welcome sun around Linslade, Chelmscote and Soulbury. Also features the Northern Belle from Northampton on 22 February and an early visit to Old Linslade for the 56 on 4M60. Sunday 3 February 2008: Starts with 57s on the mail and Sunday drags. Updated for works moves and several days of very welcome sun around Linslade, Chelmscote and Soulbury. Also features the Northern Belle from Northampton on 22 February and an early visit to Old Linslade for the 56 on 4M60.

1 February 2008 The WCML was shut for several hours following a fire at Kings Langley. The first freight to head south was 4L57 behind 66502 approaching Wolverton. 1 February 2008 90043 Coatbridge follows with 4L75. 1 February 2008 Unfortunately the sun just dipped as 57305 came round the Wolverton curves leading 325001 and 325005 as the 1A32 Warrington-Willesden PRDC. 1 February 2008 Not the best of photos but the first time I have managed to see the Silver Bullets. 92026 heads 6O60 Mossend-Dollands Moor with the Nacco china clay empty tanks from Irvine to Antwerp just before 5pm. As the light improves this train should be well worth a photograph. 29 February 2008 A few minutes later and with a trace of sun, 56303 heads north on the 4M60 Grain-Trafford Park on its second day of operation. 3 February 2008 The first two trains on Sunday continue to be hauled by 57s. 57312 arrives at Milton Keynes with 390048. 3 February 2008 57312 with 390048 on 1T30 0853 Euston-Birmingham International. Strangely this runs ahead of the 0840 Euston-Manchester which is not dragged and can be seen in the distance awaiting the platform. 3 February 2008 57312 The Hood 3 February 2008 The southbound working is the 0837 Wolverhampton - Euston arriving at Milton Keynes behind 57316. 3 February 2008 57316 FAB 1 3 February 2008 Coupling between the 57 and 390006. 3 February 2008 57316 awaits the right of way at Milton Keynes. 3 February 2008 57316 stands at Milton Keynes Central alongside 390012 on the Carlisle service. Both stood awaiting departure time for 10-15 minutes. 4 February 2008 47805 brought First Great Western sleeper 10616 and restaurant 10232 to Wolverton on 28 January (see January collection). RFM 10232 has been stripped and most of the underfloor equipment removed as it is shunted at Wolverton by 08649. 4 February 2008 Sleeper 10616 was also seen being shunted by 08649. These two coaches are both due to leave the works around 15th February. 4 February 2008 The object of the visit was 168005's departure with just two more 168 refurbishments left to do. It is seen finally leaving the works at 12.30. 4 February 2008 66002 heads past Castlethorpe with the 6A51 Perrier Water empties and a number of Perrier branded cargowaggons. 4 February 2008 168005 left centre sidings shortly after 1pm and heads north at Castlethorpe for Snow Hill. 5 February 2008 Tuesday was a day of downpours and sunny spells. For once the timing was perfect as 60052 climbs up over the canal bridge south of Wolverton station. 5 February 2008 60052 on the 6H50 Willesden-Tunstead cement empties approaches Wolverton. 5 February 2008 The other side of Tuesday - 90028 heads for Wembley in a downpour! 6 February 2008 Having brought a 325 mail unit south from Warrington the previous evening, 47848 heads from Wembley to Crewe LNWR passing Wolverton at 1650. 7 February 2008 60052 was back in the area on Thursday heading the Bletchley - Peak Forest Cemex empties at Lidlington. 7 February 2008 66201 followed shortly behind 6H55 on route to Forders. 7 February 2008 Although 11 February was expected to see a change for 153s, it looks as though 150s are likely to continue on the branch for a little longer. 150122 climbs away from Lidlington towards Bletchley. 7 February 2008 A few minutes later, 150125 drops down towards Lidlington with the 1059 Bletchley - Bedford 8 February 2008 A sunny afternoon at Linslade, but with the slow lines shut the angle is a bit restricted. 66078 is on 6A51 running around 1/2 hour early. 8 February 2008 350126 is one of the more recent reliveried 350s. 8 February 2008 The first train to use the down slow was an unidentified sand train heading for Forders behind 60500. 8 February 2008 Freight continued to use the fast, 90042 is on 4M81 to Trafford Park. 8 February 2008 90049 heads south with a very lightly loaded 4L75 Crewe - Felixstowe. 8 February 2008 The Daventry-Tilbury has loaded well since it was introduced, headed today by 66534. 8 February 2008 When I photographed the silver bullets at Wolverton last week in very poor light, I certainly didn't expect to take this shot a week later. Despite taking over two hours to reach Old Linslade from Rugby, 92017 on the Mossend-Dollands Moor empty china clay tanks is still over an hour early passing Old Linslade. 8 February 2008 A very welcome bonus were 86609 and 86610 on 4M87. 8 February 2008 A final shot as the sun gets very low, 66126 with a set of covered car carriers at the front making a bit of a change on the Wembley-Washwood Heath Ford car train. 10 February 2008 321406 heads south at Chelmscote. 10 February 2008 Disappointment as 390032 heads south at Chelmscote with the first up service of the day - no 57 drag this week! 11 February 2008 66503 heads the Lawley Street to Felixstowe liner on another glorious sunny day at Chelmscote 11 February 2008 221108 with smashed headlight on the 09.50 Holyhead - Euston 11 February 2008 66228 leads the Coventry-Wembley Perrier empties at Chelmscote 11 February 2008 A change of location to Old Linslade catches a graffitied 66710 heading north with a Mk3 TSO for the Night Riviera programme at Wolverton. 11 February 2008 The last of the evening sun on 66167 working the Wembley-Washwood Heath 12 February 2008 A location I tried for the second Silverlink Swansong, but one which requires steps to get above the security fencing. 66725 is on 4M23 a couple of hundred yards south of the Soulbury Road bridge. 12 February 2008 Taken from level with the catenary mast seen behind 66725 in the previous shot, 325001 and 325012 head south with 1A32. Soulbury Road bridge is in the background. 12 February 2008 The sun was near enough side on when I arrived at 14.30 but has just about come round enough to catch the front of 90047 on 4M88. 12 February 2008 Several more 350s have gained London Midland livery, 350128 heads north in the old grey/blue which will soon become a memory. 12 February 2008 92022 working 4A10 south of Soulbury Road 12 February 2008 The 14.54 Euston - Milton Keynes is the first of the northbound afternoon trains to be an 8 car set. 321403/430 approach Soulbury Road. 12 February 2008 A final shot for the afternoon and the objective for the visit - 86639/604 on 4M87 from Felixstowe-Trafford Park as the sun sinks lower and the fencing casts shadows across the fast lines. 13 February 2008 Another shot of 4L93 sees 66574 passing Chelmscote. This train is much more photogenic than the preceding 4O35 to Southampton which is normally very lightly loaded.

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]]> Sun Feb 3 2008 Milton Keynes Area January 2008 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1436668.html A slow start to 2008, overrunning engineering at Rugby and very little movement on the WCML combined with poor weather. A few shots from Rugby on 8 January showing the changes following the new year engineering work. Updated 21 January with the first visit of a Colas 47, with 47847 visiting on 25 January to collect a refurbished FGW buffet. Shots of 87022s return to Wembley via Banbury in the Oxfordshire gallery. Sunday 6 January 2008: A slow start to 2008, overrunning engineering at Rugby and very little movement on the WCML combined with poor weather. A few shots from Rugby on 8 January showing the changes following the new year engineering work. Updated 21 January with the first visit of a Colas 47, with 47847 visiting on 25 January to collect a refurbished FGW buffet. Shots of 87022s return to Wembley via Banbury in the Oxfordshire gallery.

3 January 2008 The extended Rugby blockade saw DRS workings via the ECML into Daventry. 66402 on the diverted 4M30 Grangemouth-Daventry passes Wolverton just after 1pm. 7 January 2008 A brief couple of hours sun on Monday morning and 66099 works light engine 0R05 Basford Hall-Forders at Wolverton 7 January 2008 350114 arrives at Wolverton with the 1109 Northampton-Euston 7 January 2008 Around an hour late, the 4L97 Trafford Park - Felixstowe freightliner hauled by 90048 with 90008 returning to One from attention at Crewe 8 January 2008 A visit to Rugby to see the work undertaken over Christmas on 8 January. 390023 heads south through platform 2 which is the new up fast. There are new sharp curves at either end of the station to regain the southbound alignment. 8 January 2008 The new down fast through line has been commissioned. 92030 is on the 6G62 Daventry - Bescot. Platform 1 is effectively a loop, only diesel hauled services can currently use the reinstated goods line off the flyover and what will become the down Coventry line north from platform 1. 8 January 2008 The only freight seen using the former down goods was 66503 on 4M94 which was held in platform one before crossing to the down fast and proceeding to Hams Hall via Nuneaton. 8 January 2008 A snatched shot of 153334 working empty stock from Birmingham to Bletchley (5B40) prior to taking up training duties on the Bletchley - Bedford where the class is due to replace the 150s. With signals removed and overhead being removed on 10 January the up goods and up fast lines are out of use. All southbound freight and Northampton services use platform 4 limiting the photographic opportunities. 90016 is on 4L75 from Crewe to Felixstowe. 8 January 2008 90047 leads 86604 on the 4M88 Felixstowe - Crewe on the new down fast. Platform 2 is cut back at both ends to accomodate the realigned up fast. The severed connection off the flyover into platform 2 can just be seen between the train and the signal. 8 January 2008 Some trains change crews in platform 4 such as 4O90. 56303 makes a brief stop. The absence of loops causes congestion and the following 1627 was delayed with a very slow run to Northampton behind the 56. 9 January 2008 57009 worked south to Willesden on Tuesday and on Wednesday and Thursday did a return crew training run to Crewe, before returning with an Ashford - Crewe stoneblower move on Friday. 0Z77 is seen passing Bradwell on Wednesday. 9 January 2008 Network West Midlands 150132 slows for Bow Brickhill. With 153334 noted out on training runs on Thursday and Friday presumably the end is near for the 150s on the branch. 10 January 2008 The only shot taken on 10 January on a return visit to Rugby mainly to see 66423 at Daventry. 66145 heads north through platform 1 with a sand train comprising MHAs and MTAs. 14 January 2008 321410 heads for Milton Keynes Central passing the footbridge at Denbigh South Junction 14 January 2008 90045 follows with the 4M88 Felixstowe-Crewe 14 January 2008 A scene which could be a remote country branch rather than the southern edge of Milton Keynes. 153334 pauses at Bow Brickhill as the sun sets with the 5T60 15.16 Bedford-Bletchley training run prior to the introduction of the 153s in passenger service. 15 January 2008 After a morning of dreadful weather I hadn't expected to go out, but 6H50 was running so I headed for Bradwell. Running in 6H50's normal path was 66538 on a 4Z43 Tilbury-Lawley Street. 15 January 2008 60046 followed with 6H50 about 15 minutes later than booked, always an impressive train despite the gloomy weather. 16 January 2008 With a sunny day forecast I headed for Cheddington. 92004 heads north on 4H24. 16 January 2008 90034 coasts south running as 0Z27 Crewe-Wembley 16 January 2008 A short pause for 321435 on the 1215 Milton Keynes to Euston. 16 January 2008 As is often the case, 4O35 from Crewe to Southampton is loaded at the back. 66516 passes Cheddington. 16 January 2008 66538 has a much better load and presents a more balanced picture on the 4L93 Lawley Street - Felixstowe 16 January 2008 Several of the liners from Felixstowe were lightly loaded after the gales had shut the port the previous day. 90046 has a decent load on 4M81 to Ditton and is missing the Freightliner logo on this side. 16 January 2008 The afternoon went very quiet with 4M88, 4L75 and 6A51 all cancelled. This is 66539 on the new Daventry-Tilbury service. 16 January 2008 325003 leads 1A32 from Warrington to Willesden on the up slow. 16 January 2008 350110 is one of the Desiros which has had the wiper damage repaired on one side only and is therefore missing the yellow vinyl. Seen on the 1409 Northampton-Euston at Cheddington. 18 January 2008 4L57 from Daventry-Tilbury again, but this time passing Wolverton behind 66581 Sophie, normally a Heavy Haul loco. 18 January 2008 90018 leads 90024 north through Wolverton on the 0Z23 Wembley-Crewe 18 January 2008 66240 heads south on the Bescot-Forders 18 January 2008 Also heading for Forders were 60093 and 66004 at Wolverton. The 60 returned with an engineers train to Tamworth that evening. 18 January 2008 Highlight of the day was the return of Colas liveried 47727 with a couple of track machines. 47727 had worked light from Tyseley in the morning and returned as 6Z47 from West Ealing to Bescot passing Wolverton just after 4pm by which time it was a little dark! - ISO 1600 1/500th at f1.8. 23 January 2008 With the slow lines shut most of the afternoon, I didn't take many shots. 66067 heads south with the Bescot - Forders. Amongst the shots I missed were 67029/024 on the Chelsea footex and 57601/47804 on a Euston-Liverpool Police charter 23 January 2008 When the slow line possession north of Wolverton was finally lifted, 67006/005 were able to depart for Bescot having deposited the Royal Stock in Centre Sidings almost 3 hours earlier. 24 January 2008 90041 heads south through Bletchley with 4L97 24 January 2008 Old and new order on the branch stand side by side at Bletchley. 150106 on the 1059 to Bedford and 153334 on the 1117 training run. 24 January 2008 Captured as it reverses 6H55 out onto the main line, the nameplate of 60053. 24 January 2008 60053 departs for Bedford with 6H55 running an hour late. Unusually the train was routed through platform 6 because of the 153 in platform 5. 24 January 2008 60053 with the empties for Peak Forest. 24 January 2008 The other unit on the branch, also Centro liveried, 150101. 25 January 2008 92036 heads north at Bradwell with 4H24 on the down fast. 25 January 2008 47847 heads for Wolverton as 0Z99 from Old Oak Common to collect a FGW buffet. 25 January 2008 221113, one of the Virgin branded units allocated to the West Coast heads south at Bradwell with the 09:50 from Holyhead. 25 January 2008 With the cloud, I intended to photograph the 47 from the east side of the line as the southbound shot from the west side is very tight. Clearing skies meant a quick change of position at 2pm followed almost immediately by 66570 on 4L57. 25 January 2008 66570 slows for the signal protecting Milton Keynes Central to allow the 1415 to Euston to depart. 25 January 2008 47847 pulled out onto the mainline immediately behind 4L57 and is seen accelerating through Bradwell with FGW buffet 10225 returning to Old Oak Common as 5V99. These buffets are labled coach C for the Night Riviera sets. 25 January 2008 Not quite judged to get the coach in and hampered a little in the shot angle by speed restriction signs, 47847 looks good in the sun, despite the patch painting. 26 January 2008 A quick visit to Soulbury Road, a location ruined by the security fencing alongside the Stoke Hammond bypass, sees 321402 head north. 26 January 2008 More Royal power for a Chelsea footex, this time in the shape of 67006 and 67005 on 1Z62 from Euston for the cup tie at Wigan.

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]]> Sun Jan 6 2008 Milton Keynes Area December 2007 http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1421718.html Two class 442s arrive at Wolverton. 10 December sees the return of a 90 and vans on the mail, also DRS class 37 moves and a West Coast convoy. Sadly no shot of Tangmere which ran in the dark on Wednesday 12th, but Union of South Africa returned on 17 December and of course farewell to the 87s - last runs on the mails. Sunday 9 December 2007: Two class 442s arrive at Wolverton. 10 December sees the return of a 90 and vans on the mail, also DRS class 37 moves and a West Coast convoy. Sadly no shot of Tangmere which ran in the dark on Wednesday 12th, but Union of South Africa returned on 17 December and of course farewell to the 87s - last runs on the mails.

3 December 2007 A visit to Blisworth for the mail failed to produce as 1S30 was diverted via the ECML! It could have been a nice shot as 390034 shows! 3 December 2007 321403 passes Bradwell with a friendly wave! 3 December 2007 86501 on 4L75 at Bradwell - a full 300mm telephoto shot as the southbound angle is now very limited by overgrowing bushes. 3 December 2007 London Midland contrast - 350106, still one of just three in the new colours. 3 December 2007 Catching the sun that I hoped I would get for 5Z80 - 67029 TnT 67005 heading from Windsor to Liverpool with the Queen for the Royal Variety performance. 3 December 2007 I was watching 4M23 approach and was completely caught out by 66724 working back to Old Oak with the third of the First Great Western brake firsts, 17174, refurbished at Wolverton. 3 December 2007 Having dropped the 442s in Centre Sidings 47830 heads for Rugby as 0Z81 just after 4pm. 3 December 2007 After a 40 minute wait at Bletchley, 47830 finally appeared with 5Z80 from Eastleigh to Wolverton around 135 minutes late passing a very dark Bradwell at 1542. 3 December 2007 It was left to 08629 to bring the 442s into the works. The two units are 442 2412 and 442 2414 to be reconfigured inside for use on the Southern services to Brighton from December 2008. The first unit is not due out of Wolverton until around July next year. 3 December 2007 442 2414 displays the all over white livery recently applied in contrast to 2412 in South West Trains colours. 3 December 2007 08629 pulls away from Stratford Road having paused for the gates to be opened at the Distribution Centre crossing. 18 December 2007 47802 rescued a failed 47790 on the Wembley - Carnforth stock move on Monday. It returned as 0Z57 from Crewe to Wembley at a very dark Wolverton 10 December 2007 A surprise this week was the return of a 11 December 2007 When I passed Daventry I expected to see a 92 on the cargowaggons for Bescot, so it was a nice surprise to see 60065 Spirit of Jaguar on the train. 6G62 is seen at Rugby. The platform extension is to be removed in the next couple of weeks to allow realignment of the down fast line. 11 December 2007 90028 crawls through platform 2 at Rugby on 1Z30. 11 December 2007 90028 on 1Z30 at Rugby in lovely winter light. Interestingly the train was in reverse formation, believed to result from reversal in Scotland to avoid the need for a shunter at Shieldmuir? 11 December 2007 66428 leads 4S44 from Daventry to Coatbridge through Rugby 11 December 2007 The green 47 would have looked good in the sun. Unfortunately I didn't make it through the underpass in time! Riviera D1916 (47812) leads a late running 5Z47 Crewe - Old Oak Common at Rugby. 11 December 2007 47848 on the rear of 5Z47. 11 December 2007 The lunchtime mail heads south on the up fast. 11 December 2007 90049 follows with 4L75 from Crewe to Felixstowe. 11 December 2007 First of the thunderbirds, 57301 Scott Tracy heading for Wembley. 12 December 2007 37515 drifts down through Ashton, Northants on 0Z37 from Gresty Bridge to Wembley. 12 December 2007 A much sunnier morning sees 90028 once again passing Blisworth with 1Z30 12 December 2007 37515 returned with 47802 in tow on 5Z47 from Wembley to Carnforth, unfortunately in the shadows on the fast line at Bradwell as the slows were closed for inspection. 12 December 2007 350115 heads south at Bradwell. 12 December 2007 Thanks to Jim Deane for the message and a mad dash to Stoke Hammond to catch the second 5Z47 from Stewarts Lane to Carnforth. An unlikely convoy of 47787, 47245, 33025, buffet car and 47826. 12 December 2007 66714 Cromer Lifeboat passes Stoke Hammond on 4M23. 15 December 2007 A Saturday bonus with DRS compass liveried 37610 and 37608 at Wolverton on 0Z37 from Wembley to Gresty Bridge. 17 December 2007 Union of South Africa returned from its railtour duties heading for Crewe at Wolverton around 8.30am to the surprise of the commuters 17 December 2007 More DRS 37s in the shape of a filthy 37218 and 37059 on 4Q10 from Derby to Ilford at Wolverton 17 December 2007 37059 brings up the rear on 4Q10 18 December 2007 Only 4M23 and an engineers working used the down slow all afternoon after overhead line damage at Hanslope caused chaos to London Midland services. Medite 66709 on 4M23 crawls through Wolverton. 19 December 2007 A final week for 87022 and 87028 on the mails saw both in use - this is 87028 Lord President on the 1Z29 Shieldmuir - Willesden at Milton Keynes 19 December 2007 390031 received vinyls around the nameplate earlier in the year in support of Liverpool's European Capital of Culture status 19 December 2007 60094 coasts through Milton Keynes heading for Forders 20 December 2007 A cold dark and frosty morning at Bradwell sees 90026 head north on the 1Z30 Willesden - Shieldmuir mail; still -2 degrees at 11.30! 21 December 2007 A contrast at Chelmscote as the sun shows and 390045 heads for Euston 21 December 2007 66578 on the late running 4L93 Lawley Street - Felixstowe at Chelmscote 21 December 2007 The Holyhead services are often strengthened at Bank Holidays - 221111 and 221103 head south 21 December 2007 A filthy 66129 on the 6A51 Coventry Prologis - Wembley empty cargowaggons at Chelmscote 21 December 2007 A farewell to Cock of the North. I had never dreamed that the light would be this good earlier in the day for 87022 on 1Z29 Shieldmuir - Willesden PRDC with 325005/007/008 at Chelmscote. It won't be the same without the 87s. 21 December 2007 A huge thankyou to Sprog for the message that 47812 and 47769 were heading north on 0Z47 from Willesden PRDC to Crewe. Both had been on Royal Mail standby and had been called on to work mail trains from Warrington to Wembley, but sadly after dark. They are passing Stoke Hammond near Bletchley. 21 December 2007 47769 still carries the Virgin logos despite its Riviera trains ownership and 47812 looks superb in two tone green, although one end is full yellow with no headcode panel - see the photo at Rugby on 11 December. 21 December 2007 Another bonus was 90024 working 0Z27 Crewe - Wembley to resume duties on the sleepers. 21 December 2007 90026 heads north at Gayton on another cold and dark morning with 1Z30 22 December 2007 Saturday was cold and misty and Lidlington was perhaps the wrong location for the outward Rose of the Shires Hertfordshire Pullman. 47832 leads with 47802 on the rear. 22 December 2007 Both units on the branch this weekend carry Centro livery, 150124 slows for Aspley Guise, 150102 is the other. 22 December 2007 A very lucky hint of sun greated the return 1Z42 Leicester - Euston at Aspley Guise. 47832 still leads, with 47802 reportedly having an ETH fault. 22 December 2007 47802 brings up the rear of 1Z42 at Aspley Guise.

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]]> Sun Dec 9 2007 Silverlink Swansong Tours http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1406296.html Photographs of the two tours run by Pathfinder on 3 and 10 November to commemorate the end of the Silverlink franchise. Sunday 11 November 2007: Photographs of the two tours run by Pathfinder on 3 and 10 November to commemorate the end of the Silverlink franchise.

3 November 2007 The first Silverlink Swansong tour heads north to Tring behind 37417 at Dudswell/Cow Roast. 3 November 2007 Following reversal at Tring 37410 leads 1Z34 back towards Barking in superb light. 3 November 2007 37410 had come light engine from Warrington on Friday evening to join 37417 from Bescot for the tour 3 November 2007 From Barking 1Z35 ran via the Barnes loop and Clapham before heading north to Bletchley for a depot visit. 3 November 2007 A slightly battered 37417 Richard Trevithick leads the tour into platform 5 at Bletchley. 3 November 2007 After the depot visit, the Silverlink 08 leads the tour back towards Bletchley station from the depot. 3 November 2007 37410 at Bletchley depot 3 November 2007 Departing from Bletchley at 1618, 37417 leads towards Bedford at Woburn Sands foot crossing. 3 November 2007 A final shot of the first tour - 37410 trailing towards Bedford. The tour retraced its route to Bletchley then headed via the flyover and Swanbourne to Northampton in darkness. 10 November 2007 The second Silverlink Swansong tour seen approaching Berkhamsted featured 50049 and 37410. 10 November 2007 Running as 1Z46, 50049 leads the tour towards Tring passing the remains of Berkhamsted castle. 10 November 2007 37410, clagging well through Berkhamsted, giving a helping hand on the rear of the train. 10 November 2007 Returning from Tring, 37410 leads at Berkhamsted 10 November 2007 In very poor light, 37410 heads back north towards Bletchley just south of the Soulbury Road bridge. 10 November 2007 08874 leads the tour back into Bletchley station after the depot visit. 10 November 2007 08874 and 50049 stand in Bletchley station. 10 November 2007 37410 awaiting departure from Bletchley for Bedford. 10 November 2007 50049 on the rear towards Bedford. The final shot of two excellent tours characterised by on time running throughout. 10 November 2007 08874 heads for the depot and an unknown future under the London Midland franchise.

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]]> Sun Nov 11 2007 Milton Keynes Area November Gallery http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1402202.html Photos of the Silverlink Swansong tours are in a separate gallery. Scotrail 90021 tales over on the 1G21/1K02 diagram, three Tugs in a morning on the Bedford - Bletchley, the final days of the Silverlink franchise and DRS 37s at Cheddington. Updated on 12/17 November for the new London Midland franchise - 350102 in the new livery and 150108/126 on the branch, also three on 4M88 and five locos on 6K51! Eleven photos added from 21 and 23 November, 57005 on a Tilbury freightliner and 4L93, DRS 47s heading to Wembley and 87022 on an additional mail. Another sunny visit to Cheddington on the 29th produced 87028, 57003 and 66404 on ECS. Sunday 4 November 2007: Photos of the Silverlink Swansong tours are in a separate gallery. Scotrail 90021 tales over on the 1G21/1K02 diagram, three Tugs in a morning on the Bedford - Bletchley, the final days of the Silverlink franchise and DRS 37s at Cheddington. Updated on 12/17 November for the new London Midland franchise - 350102 in the new livery and 150108/126 on the branch, also three on 4M88 and five locos on 6K51! Eleven photos added from 21 and 23 November, 57005 on a Tilbury freightliner and 4L93, DRS 47s heading to Wembley and 87022 on an additional mail. Another sunny visit to Cheddington on the 29th produced 87028, 57003 and 66404 on ECS.

2 November 2007 90047 heads south at Bradwell with 4L75 2 November 2007 With Stobarts reportedly finishing Victa Westlink's freight operation, 66412 hauled some empty flats to Derby on Thursday and 66726 worked 5M66 from East Ham to Oxley on Friday with 4 blue pullman coaches and 47832 in tow at Bradwell 2 November 2007 86501 following with 4M88 on a quiet afternoon with Silverlink drivers on strike once again 2 November 2007 Midland Metro no 5 arrived at Wolverton Friday morning for collision repairs. A photograph taken from Camden's forecourt which certainly upset their sales staff! 3 November 2007 My first visit to Cow Roast/Dudswell for the Silverlink Swansong tour sees 321411 head towards London 3 November 2007 Shortly after the Silverlink tour, 67012 leads the 1Z61 Euston - Wigan Footex at Dudswell. 67006 out of sight on the rear. 3 November 2007 90042 heads south at Dudswell just after 1030 with 4L97 3 November 2007 A sight soon to disappear? Just a week left on the franchise and many of the station Silverlink logos are already covered up 2 November 2007 A couple of hours later than expected, 47843 leaves Wolverton with 17173, the second of the brake firsts to be refurbished, passing Bradwell at 16:45. 9 November 2007 Running around an hour late, 92016 leads 37410 south through Milton Keynes on 6A42. 37410 worked the Silverlink Swansong II on Saturday with 50049 15 November 2007 37510 and 37515 on 6K51 from Willesden to Crewe conveying the Dungeness flasks were joined by 20306/20308/37038 from Stowmarket at Willesden. The five locos provide an impressive sight on three flasks as they pass Milton Keynes at 2155. 4 November 2007 90021 replaced 90039 on 1G21 earlier this week but it is now too dark to photograph. I was hoping it stayed on the diagram for the Sunday 1K02 13:14 Euston-Crewe which it did. 4 November 2007 90021 heads for Crewe via Coventry and Bescot, seen passing Blisworth. 5 November 2007 87022 headed north to Warrington once again as 0Z87, seen at Bradwell 6 November 2007 150127 approaches Lidlington with a service from Bedford. By Thursday it had lost its Silverlink branding and Bletchley TMD plates 6 November 2007 950001 was a bit of 150 variety on the branch working 2Q08 from Derby to Milton Keynes at Marston Crossing 6 November 2007 66575 on 4L93 from Hams Hall to Felixstowe at Cheddington. 6 November 2007 321427 departs Cheddington with the 1315 Milton Keynes - Euston 6 November 2007 90041 with 4L75 at Cheddington. 6 November 2007 The additional mails are now running under normal headcodes. 1A32 1225 Warrington-Willesden PRDC passes Cheddington. 6 November 2007 37609 leads 37688 on 0Z37 from Wembley to Crewe Gresty Road at Cheddington 6 November 2007 A very smart 37688 at Cheddington. The two 37s had been used to move EPS support vehicles from North Pole to Wembley. 6 November 2007 150128 worked to Bletchley earlier in the day with 150123. It returned on its own to Willesden, seen at Cheddington. 6 November 2007 Possibly the last shot of the cannons this year - 66430 and 66421 at Cheddington with 1J84. 8 November 2007 A visit to Bow Brickhill for 6H55 produced the bonus of 60010 on 6T81 from Northampton to Forders at 1028. 8 November 2007 Unbranded and nameplateless, 150127 heads for Bedford at Bow Brickhill. 8 November 2007 60082 with Transrail branding on 6H55 about an hour late at Bow Brickhill. 8 November 2007 I decided to head for Forders as 60079 was allocated to 7D42 to Toton. When I arrived, 60010 was running round a return 6T81 to Northampton. 8 November 2007 Three 60s on the branch. 60079 departs Forders with 7D42 to Toton about 10 minutes late. 8 November 2007 321437 passes Bradwell with white Silverlink logos visible after removal of the standard branding. 8 November 2007 60010 heads for Northampton with 6T81 at Bradwell 9 November 2007 A welcome return for 57005 after several months storage, heading 4O35 from Crewe to Southampton at Wolverton. 10 November 2007 Unbranded 321430 slows for Berkhamsted. 10 November 2007 Unbranded, but still named Richard Crane, 150123 prepares to leave Bletchley with the 1547 to Bedford 11 November 2007 As well as working 1G21, Scotrail 90021 has been out on the Sunday 1K02 to Crewe. It is seen leaving Milton Keynes Central showing the alignment of the new fast line on the right. The shot is taken from the arched bridge at the north of the station due to disappear in a month's time. 12 November 2007 Arriving just after the Silverlink Swansong tour left for Bedford were 150108 in Centro livery and 150126 in Network West Midlands livery. 150108 is seen on the 10:59 to Bedford at Old Farm Park, Milton Keynes 12 November 2007 Network West Midlands liveried 150126 heads for Bletchley at Old Farm Park 12 November 2007 A bit out of place on the Marston Vale! Network West Midlands livery on 150126 at Bletchley. 12 November 2007 150126 leaves Bletchley for Bedford. After just three days on the branch she returned to Birmingham to be replaced by Centro liveried 150101. 12 November 2007 A very strange working was 5Z99. 66715 was shown as allocated to a 5Z90 Old Oak Common - Ilford working with the Midland Mainline HST set which had been on hire to FGW. It was diverted to Wembley and then formed 5Z99 to Laira via Nuneaton, Water Orton and Oxford! Seen passing Bletchley. 12 November 2007 350102 displaying the new London Midland colour scheme on the 1409 from Northampton to Euston at Bletchley 12 November 2007 63762 of 350102 at Bletchley. I am really not sure about the vivid green next to the cabs! 12 November 2007 More traditional Silverlink colours on 321428 and 321407. At least a couple of units retained their Silverlink branding well into the first week of the new franchise. 13 November 2007 The new London Midland logo on 350102 at Wolverton. 13 November 2007 Heading for Stowmarket, 20310 with 57009 at Wolverton on 0Z93 from Crewe. 13 November 2007 57009 making its second trip to Stowmarket for the last few weeks of the water cannons - see also the shot on 6 October 13 November 2007 86605 and 86613 head north on 4M88 at Wolverton. 86605 is smarter than many of the 86s having had some work done to improve the cab. 14 November 2007 A contrast on 4M88 - Freightliner 90016 and 90047, with One liveried 90015 pass over the A5 at Redmoor. 90015/90047 were heading back from Ipswich to Crewe for attention. 15 November 2007 Having gone for a shot of 150101 and been thwarted by traffic, I was lucky with 66509 following immediately behind the service train returning light from Luton to Rugby over the A5. 21 November 2007 With the overnight Lawley Street - Tilbury cancelled, 57005 worked a daytime 4Z43 Lawley Street - Tilbury seen passing Bradwell in the gloom at 10.30.

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]]> Sun Nov 4 2007 Wolverton works movements 22 and 25 October http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1397836.html Views of the Chiltern Turbo, 319, 334 driving trailer - a varied week at the works Monday 22 October 2007: Views of the Chiltern Turbo, 319, 334 driving trailer - a varied week at the works

22 October 2007 168113 heads under Stratford Road towards Centre Sidings. The 168/1s have had a full repaint as well as internal update. 25 October 2007 A variation on the normal 319 moves. The unit normally departs for Bedford at 09:25 with a unit coming in around 18:00. This time 319384 brought 319436 from Bedford and returned with 319449. A quick snap of 319449 at the Distribution Centre crossing. 25 October 2007 64125 leaves the works at just before 2pm after further delays due to insufficient clearance on the loading ramp. 25 October 2007 All three vehicles of 334025 left Wolverton by road, despite a path being set up for a 5Z80 Wolverton - Shields EMD move. 25 October 2007 64125 sets off down Stratford Road - the rear steering being necessary to negotiate the traffic islands. 25 October 2007 Heading for the M1 - 64125 on Monks Way, Milton Keynes. 25 October 2007 The end of a very protracted repair to collision damage. 25 October 2007 The 319s departing, 319384 leads 319449 in appalling light at Bradwell (ISO1600), still running as 5Z19 to Bedford at 1440.

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]]> Mon Oct 22 2007 Milton Keynes Area October Gallery http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1383911.html A week of light engine moves plus three 31s on the Queen of Scots set at the start of the month. Updated 21 October for a visit to Cheddington and the return of 86101 to the WCML. 45407 made a surprise appearance on the 23rd, with the return of 87022 the following day. Saturday 6 October 2007: A week of light engine moves plus three 31s on the Queen of Scots set at the start of the month. Updated 21 October for a visit to Cheddington and the return of 86101 to the WCML. 45407 made a surprise appearance on the 23rd, with the return of 87022 the following day.

1 October 2007 Newly redecorated in First Capital Connect colours, 319434 heads for Bedford as 5Z19 from Wolverton at Bradwell just north of the footbridge 1 October 2007 Running around 80 minutes late, 66112 on 6A51 from Coventry to Wembley at Wolverton 1 October 2007 The first DRS light engine move of the week featured 37609 and former EPS 37604 heading from Wembley to Crewe as 0Z39. 1 October 2007 EPS 37604 heads for Crewe behind 37609. 37609 has also been under repair at Alsthom Wembley. 1 October 2007 Although regularly conveying 66s, 67s or 92s, 60083 was an unusual passenger in 6A42 at Wolverton behind 92036. 1 October 2007 86607 and 632 hauling 4L92 at Wolverton. Sadly 6X77 conveying 37410 and 37417 back to Warrington ran around 2 hours late this evening. 2 October 2007 Highlight of the week? The first three class 20s for the Stowmarket based watercannons ran as 0Z60 from Crewe on Wednesday. 2 October 2007 20308/307 and 315 passing Wolverton. The remaining three ran on Friday, but from Nuneaton went via Peterborough and not the southern WCML as hoped. 2 October 2007 90041 passes Rugby on 4M88 from Felixstowe to Crewe. The southern end of platform 2 has been excavated to allow realignment of the track to accomodate the new 125 mph centre road which is now partially in situ. 2 October 2007 The new DRS 66s continue to work to Daventry, 66422 on its first visit with 4M44 at Rugby. 2 October 2007 Three on 6A42 tonight, 92039 hauls 92030 and 67005 on the Bescot - Wembley at Rugby. 3 October 2007 66427 has been on hire to Victa, sharing duties with 66414 and 66417 this week. The 4M89 Tilbury - Ditton is seen at Wolverton. 3 October 2007 86604/38 worked 4M88 on Monday and a second pairing of 86628 and 86621 worked 4M87 on Wednesday - welcome changes from class 90 domination of these workings. 4 October 2007 The down fast was closed almost all afternoon as 390029 heads north at Castlethorpe on the slow. 4 October 2007 90041 leads 4M88 at Castlethorpe 4 October 2007 An unusual working was 0Z90 from Norwich to Loughborough. Having dropped 47813 in London, 47828 leads One liveried 90011 to Crewe, before heading for Loughborough. 4 October 2007 66136 leads a late running Wembley-Washwood Heath cars at Castlethorpe. 4 October 2007 With the watercannons proper now due to start on 8 October, 66425 and 66421 performed two crew training runs from Wembley to Nuneaton on Tuesday and Thursday as 1J84. 4 October 2007 With lengthening shadows 90020 leads 1G21 north at Blisworth. 5 October 2007 Mk3 Brake First 17175 has been overhauled for the re-launch of First Great Western's Night Riviera sleeper service. It is seen leaving Wolverton on the back of an Allely's low loader. 5 October 2007 New arrivals at Wolverton works are four 465 vehicles. 64799 of 465041, has arrived together with 72108/109 also from 465041. 5 October 2007 The other vehicle is 64822 of 465014 which was the subject of an arson attack. 5 October 2007 17175 heads down Monks Way, Milton Keynes heading for the M1 6 October 2007 The return Queen of Scots set passing Bletchley at 19:20 with 31454 leading and 31452 on the rear. We had hoped it would be held in platform 6, but they were given a clear road ahead of the Silverlink local service. 6 October 2007 Clagging more than a 47 or 31, 66535 leads the Saturday 4M88 at a very gloomy Old Linslade. The footpath to this location is now closed for 3 months for pipe laying work. 6 October 2007 67017 leads the 5Z20 Northern Belle ECS from Crewe to Victoria with 67014 on the rear. 6 October 2007 The Queen of Scots set was out on a private charter from Olympia to Derby via Worcester. 31454 and 31452 lead the rake with 31128 on the rear. A wonderful mixture of vintage stock. 6 October 2007 31128 bringing up the rear of 1Z51. 6 October 2007 A lunchtime surprise in the shape of 57009 and 57011 heading for Stowmarket from Crewe as 0Z57 at Wolverton. 8 October 2007 67006 with the 5Z30 Old Oak Common - Crewe ECS off one of the weekend rugby specials at Wolverton 9 October 2007 390003 heads north at Redmoor nr Bletchley, crossing the A5. 9 October 2007 43013 leads hybrid power car 43089 Hayabusa at Redmoor with the 1Z95 measurement train from Derby to Euston via the slow lines. 9 October 2007 With shadows lengthening at Redmoor, 90039 heads north on 1G21. 10 October 2007 A slightly different angle at Castlethorpe, 66720 on 4M23 Felixstowe-Hams Hall. 10 October 2007 90048 with 86612 DIT on 4M88 at Castlethorpe. 86612 had failed earlier in the week on 4M41 to Daventry, being rescued by a Virgin 57 at Bletchley. 10 October 2007 66427 has been a regular on the Victa Tilbury to Ditton working. 10 October 2007 66143 on the Wembley - Washwood Heath cars at Castlethorpe 10 October 2007 66516 on a late running 4M87 to Trafford Park being overtaken by a pendolino. 10 October 2007 With the light fading fast, 1G21 heads north at Blisworth behind 90039. 11 October 2007 A misty morning for the 1Z05 Euston-Birmingham International EWS managers train, unusually propelled by 67006 at Bradwell. 12 October 2007 A very dark morning sees 90028 heading north at 8.30 at Wolverton with the Autumn West Highlander. 12 October 2007 325008 leads an additional 1Z31 0800 Sheildmuir-Willesden PDRC service at Bradwell overhauling 86501 on 4L75. The additional mails operated Thursday and Friday following the postal strikes. 12 October 2007 47843 worked light engine 0Z90 Old Oak to Wolverton to collect FGW sleeper 10589. 12 October 2007 66720 heads north on 4M23 at Wolverton. 12 October 2007 Regular EWS light engine moves seem to have returned with an 0Z27 Crewe-Wembley and 0Z23 Wembley - Crewe. The latter comprises 90035/92024/92026 at Wolverton 12 October 2007 A slightly different look on some of the Desiros. Presumably linked to the imminent franchise change the damage/scuff marks caused by the wipers is being repaired and the units are running round with part of the yellow vinyl missing, some just on one side, others on both as with 350101 at Wolverton. 12 October 2007 4M89 produced two DRS 66s with 66427 and 66414 returning to Crewe at Wolverton. 15 October 2007 A colourful combination on a gloomy day - Riviera 47815,47847 and 47805 heading for Old Oak. 15 October 2007 86501 made a welcome return with 4M87 - good to see it back in service after a lengthy absence. 15 October 2007 66425 & 66421 on the 1J84 watercannon at Wolverton

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]]> Sat Oct 6 2007 Brief North West visit http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1378644.html A few photos taken on a visit to the North West at Manchester Piccadilly, Warrington, Chinley and Peak Forest Monday 24 September 2007: A few photos taken on a visit to the North West at Manchester Piccadilly, Warrington, Chinley and Peak Forest

24 September 2007 Having seen around 40 of the 185s on delivery through Milton Keynes, this was the first time I had seen them in service and over 35 were seen during the day. 185104 leaves Piccadilly for Manchester Airport. 24 September 2007 323234 was my last 323 - a welcome sight at Piccadilly! 24 September 2007 185122 heads for Newcastle at Ashburys 24 September 2007 66189 takes the freight line towards Manchester Victoria with the 6H57 Ashburys - Peak Forest empties 24 September 2007 57304 hauling 390050 towards Longsight at Piccadilly 24 September 2007 Having arrived from North Wales, 175009 proceeds to the sidings before returning as the 15:18 to Llandudno 24 September 2007 66413 leads the three new 66s 429,428 and 430 from Newport to Kingmoor at Warrington 24 September 2007 66206 on an up engineers working at Warrington 24 September 2007 57313 hauling the 6J37 Carlisle-Chirk timber train pulls into Warrington 25 September 2007 60044 stands in the sidings at Peak Forest with 08393 just visible in the background 25 September 2007 66511 working light engine to Earles passing Chinley East Junction 25 September 2007 185123 at Chinley East Junction with a Cleethorpes service

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]]> Mon Sep 24 2007 Milton Keynes September Gallery http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1365830.html A sunny start to September with a visit to Northampton and Rugby. 6H50 and 37's on the measurement train. Much variety in the second week with classes 37/40/47/56/60/66/87/90/92 and a Princess. Updated 27 September for Cotswold 47s and shots from Stoke Hammond bypass and on 30 September for a cracking Thursday featuring DRS 37/57 and 66s, 57309 on 4M94, a One 90 and a 47! Also includes the DRS 47s on 1Z30/32. Saturday 8 September 2007: A sunny start to September with a visit to Northampton and Rugby. 6H50 and 37's on the measurement train. Much variety in the second week with classes 37/40/47/56/60/66/87/90/92 and a Princess. Updated 27 September for Cotswold 47s and shots from Stoke Hammond bypass and on 30 September for a cracking Thursday featuring DRS 37/57 and 66s, 57309 on 4M94, a One 90 and a 47! Also includes the DRS 47s on 1Z30/32.

1 September 2007 After several appearances on the Tuesday/Thursday Bletchley stone trains, 60044 finally put in an appearance on 6H55 at the weekend, though sadly the sun wasn't out for it at Lidlington. 3 September 2007 66035 approaching Wolverton with a mixed train of vans and cars on 6X82 from Wembley to Washwood Heath. 4 September 2007 60030 eases round the tight curve into Northampton station with 6H55. The line to Bridge Street is seen to the left with sleepers chained to the track. 4 September 2007 60030 on 6H55 at Northampton 4 September 2007 92016 on the 6G62 Daventry - Bescot at Rugby, with the new fast line points partially in situ and awaiting connection. 4 September 2007 66413 heads south on the final stage of its journey with 4Z39 from Coatbridge to Daventry 4 September 2007 66528 departed south after spending the morning in the north bay platform at Rugby 4 September 2007 90041 on the 4L75 Crewe - Felixstowe freightliner 4 September 2007 Running around an hour late and with a shorter rake than normal 66002 on the Coventry - Wembley perrier empties 4 September 2007 A different view of 66720 Metronet Pathfinder on 4L22 taken from the new platform 1 at Rugby 4 September 2007 60021 on the distinctive Tuesday's only Willesden - Tunstead cement empties 4 September 2007 66714 has become a fixture on 4L22 and 4M23 over the past 3 weeks. Here on 4M23 passing though Rugby's platform 2 on route to Hams Hall. 4 September 2007 Just 4 minutes behind 4M23, 90043 Coatbridge on a well loaded 4M88 Felixstowe - Crewe 4 September 2007 The Victa services have been retimed as a trial this week, with the southbound working now overnight and the northbound 4M89 now starting from Tilbury instead of Purfleet. 66412 on 4M89 Tilbury - Ditton passes through platform 2 at 4pm. 4 September 2007 66623 was due to be named the previous week, but this was cancelled after an accident involving a shunter. The nameplate bolts are just about visible in this view in the north bay at Rugby. 66623 had arrived light engine from Croft after working back from Neasden. 4 September 2007 66417 with 4M44 at Daventry. 4 September 2007 56303 on 4O90 caught me out as it normally departs after the 16:28 unit to Northampton. Today, after a very swift crew change she left at 16:23 and was long gone by the time I arrived at Northampton. 4 September 2007 A very welcome return of the DRS 37s to the measurement train. 37069 and 37607 head south through Northampton on 1Q95. 4 September 2007 37069 leads 1Q95 from Derby to Derby via Euston and Crewe through Northampton about 1/2 hour late as the 17:33 to Euston is held in platform 1. 4 September 2007 325011 leads 1S96 north through Northampton. For now it seems that the 1Z44/1Z45 additional mail diagrams have ceased? 5 September 2007 A change from the normal 92 or 66, 90039 on 4A10 at Milton Keynes 5 September 2007 The Wembley - Washwood Heath cars at Milton Keynes. 5 September 2007 Retimed to just after 5pm, 92037 on the Bescot - Wembley at Wolverton 5 September 2007 Just two months remaining on the Silverlink franchise and Wolverton station is receiving a fresh coat of Silverlink blue and green!! The 321's have a limited life with the new London Midland franchise and fresh orders for 350's. 321402/415 are seen heading north with 321428 on the 1703 Northampton-Euston slowing for the stop at Wolverton. 5 September 2007 66081 catches the sun at Wolverton with the 6T82 Forders-Bescot 12 September 2007 Running about 45 minutes late at 1910, 37602/606 thunder through Wolverton with the measurement train. 14 September 2007 6201 Princess Elizabeth worked south on Friday from Bury to Bristol via London in order to work a Welsh Marches express from Bristol to Shrewsbury. She is seen coasting through Milton Keynes. 8 September 2007 Returning from Luton Crescent to Rugby, 66528 took me by surprise at Bow Brickhill - I had assumed the barriers had dropped for 6H55! 8 September 2007 60043 heads for Peak Forest at Bow Brickhill, despite leaving Bletchley early, the train was reported over 2.5 hours late in the Chesterfield area. 10 September 2007 After weekend engineering work, 60024 was allocated to the 7D42 Forders - Toton. Seen waiting by the abandoned Forders signal box 10 September 2007 Due to depart at 12:12, 60024 eases out of the loop at just after noon with a long train of opens. 10 September 2007 87028 made a welcome return to the WCML, working as 0Z69 Wembley - Warrington to act as standby for the mail units. She was called on later in the week to rescue 1S96 when one of the 325s developed a TPWS fault. Also welcome was the reinstatement of 87022. 11 September 2007 66035 heads south through the centre road at Northampton on a slightly late 6A51 Coventry - Wembley 11 September 2007 I had gone to Northampton for 47245, but a huge bonus was 37248 & 40145 returning from Stewarts Lane/Old Oak to Carnforth to work this weekends Buxton tour. 11 September 2007 40145 displaying its ficticious, but pleasing, large logo livery. 11 September 2007 90044 on 4L75 at Northampton 11 September 2007 With 4 coaches in tow, 47245 on the 5Z47 Carnforth - Old Oak Common ECS 11 September 2007 With the end of the franchise fast approaching, Silverlink's 321's are being patch painted in various shades of purple! 321403 displays a blueish shade on the bodyside and purple cabs! 11 September 2007 321415 with an array of spots and patches. 11 September 2007 92041 heads south on 4A10 at Northampton 11 September 2007 66414 with a lightly loaded 4M89 Tilbury - Ditton 11 September 2007 350128 arrives at Northampton with the 14:48 from Birmingham New Street 11 September 2007 66720 on the 4L22 Hams Hall - Felixstowe at Northampton 11 September 2007 66588 following with Freightliner's 4L90 from Hams Hall to Felixstowe 11 September 2007 With the light fading, the opportunities to photograph 4L92 are becoming more limited. 86627/605 pull into the centre road at 1751 to await the departure of the 1809 Silverlink service to Euston. 11 September 2007 86627/605 waiting at the signals at Northampton. After a break of several weeks, 86s seem to have made a welcome return to 4L92. 12 September 2007 57309 hauls 5Z57 Wembley-Doncaster with DVT 82101 in tow at Wolverton. 12 September 2007 82101 was for so long associated with the last loco hauled runs of the 87s. It is seen heading for Doncaster. 12 September 2007 4L97 hauled by 90044 conveys 66576 which had rescued 86501 after it failed on 4M87 the previous evening. 13 September 2007 A better load for 4M89, 66414 is seen at Bradwell.

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]]> Sat Sep 8 2007 Norfolk interlude http://andrew-chambers.fotopic.net/c1360930.html A mixture from Norfolk over the bank holiday weekend, though sadly the Yarmorth drags were cancelled and I didn't see the DRS 47s on the Grand Central route learners either! The numerous semaphores and signal boxes provide an attractive backdrop for some of the units. Saturday 1 September 2007: A mixture from Norfolk over the bank holiday weekend, though sadly the Yarmorth drags were cancelled and I didn't see the DRS 47s on the Grand Central route learners either! The numerous semaphores and signal boxes provide an attractive backdrop for some of the units.

22 August 2007 91122 propelling its Mk4 set south at St Neots 22 August 2007 66532 heads the 4L85 Leeds - Felixstowe liner at St Neots, diverted via the ECML due the Ely derailment 22 August 2007 MTU powercar 43290 leads 43113 at St Neots 23 August 2007 The only shot taken on a very wet visit to Sherringham sees the 9F running round having arrived from Holt 25 August 2007 Bad news on arrival at Brundall was that the 47 hauled trains to Yarmouth were cancelled due to a TPWS fault on the 47. Here a 153/156 combination heads off the Yarnouth line. 25 August 2007 156418 heads for Yarmouth at Brundall passing the flowers and hanging baskets of the crossing keepers cabin 25 August 2007 Another 153/156 combination crosses the Reedham bridge towards Norwich 25 August 2007 With double pegs for Lowestoft, 156418 at Reedham Junction 25 August 2007 Reedham swing bridge was open for around 40 minutes each hour to allow the taller boat traffic to proceed 25 August 2007 156418 returning from Lowestoft at Reedham 25 August 2007 The following service worked by 153311 and 153314, the former still in Regional Railways colours 27 August 2007 A warm and sunny Bank Holiday Monday saw the 9F, 56xx and WD 2-10-0 in action. 5643 approaches Weybourne crossing the A149.