Great Central Railway

Wednesday 29th December 2010, was the annual Christmas visit to the Great Central Railway.

A cold, grey, damp day with dense fog in some places concerned me because of the standard of photography would be difficult, however here are some shots that I do like.

The service was quieter this time with only a limited number of visitors.

The Pullman stock was being used for diners, but the ordinary traffic was provided by LMS Stanier 8F 48305 and the small Prairie 5526 with the 'Autotrain'

Here the LMS Stanier 2-8-0, built in 1943, 48305 approaches Rothley before departing for Loughborough.

This is the 'Autotrain'. One single carriage stock with controls at the front, and the small Prairie at the rear. This sort of service was for branch line traffic.

The small prairie tank locomotive, 2-6-2T, 5526, built in 1928 takes on water at Loughborough.

Finally, waiting at Loughborough for the last afternoon service to Leicester North and return. The Christmas lights provide some cheer under the canopy.

Merry Christmas to you all.

Can I wish all my readers a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Sorry, there will be no services today. My favorite station on my favorite railway in the winter. Levisham, an Edwardian station in a lovely but lonely location. The village incidentally is about 2 or 3 miles away at the top of a very steep road.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

I thought it would be nice just to reflect back on my recent trip up to North Yorkshire. This is a place I love, and would live there given the chance. Not only the railway, but the overall beauty of the wild and stunning countryside and moorland has to be appreciated.

Levisham station is an Edwardian structure. It nestles at the bottom of the valley in Forestry Commission land and this alone is a stunning feature. Only recently have the station lamps been converted to electricity.

LMS 'Black 5' 4-6-0 45212 approaching Levisham tender first from Grosmont.

45212, built in 1935 by Armstrong Whitworth. A mixed traffic locomotive widely known as one of the 'Black 5's'

Sir Nigel Gresley at Moorgates, having departed for Pickering.

A little novelty we found at Goathland station, a 'Fergie' on a flat bed carriage.

Sir Nigel Gresley departs Grosmont for Pickering.

Allelys Heavy Haulage

Maurice Allely, founder of Allely's Haulage Heavy, is not only an Honary member of the North Worcestershire Vintage Tractor and Engine Club, but also a collector of vintage tractors and other vehicle and agricultural memorabilia. Here is a selection of photographs I have you might be interested in.

These three Lorry's appearing at the 2009 Astwood Bank Vintage Gathering more or less started the business. Now fully restored and kept at Maurice's farm at Studley.

'Tornado' en-route to a preserved railway, with escort vehicle behind.

The next series of photos I am not sure of their origin.

'Tornado' arriving at Quorn and Woodhouse on the Great Central Railway. The tractor unit must correctly line up with the rails, and notice the diesel locomotive behind that will hook up and take 'Tornado' back to the Loughborough engine sheds.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Although filmed in 2009, I can imagine the scene would be very similar now.
Oh how I would love to be up there now.
I just wonder what the road to Levisham is like, its not the best even in good weather, it would be a good test of driver skills to negotiate that road.