15th September 2008
Pictures from the GCR's Autumn Gala uploaded. Our decision to go on Sunday (rather than Saturday) was a wise one, with more or less unbroken sunshine all day.

30th September 2008
Pictures uploaded to the Day Return pages from the NYMR's Autumn Steam Gala, featuring guest locos 71000 Duke of Gloucester and 45231 Sherwood Forester. A really great weekend. Lets hope that the weather is as kind for the GCR's Gala in a few weeks time. Fingers crossed.

31st August 2008
Return to the NNR with camera in hand! After a long break since my last NNR pictures, I've uploaded at selection of images (to the NNR pages) from the line's annual Steam Gala.

19th August 2008
Photos from a weekend at the NYMR uploaded to the Day Return pages. A superb weekend was had, including my first successful pan shot (taken of Black 5 45212), and Dad's (Peter) surprise (for him anyway!) early birthday present, see right.

30th June 2008
Pictures uploaded to the Day Return pages from Cranmore 150 – Quarry Gala Weekend, and the fantasic sights and sounds of steam engines doing what they were designed to do.

12th May 2008
A couple of images uploaded to the GCR pages – Cromwell is back.

10th May 2008
Pictures uploaded to the Day Return pages from the K&ESR Gala Weekend.

27th April 2008
A return to picture taking at the NNR this weekend to co-inside with seeming the first sunny weekend of the spring. In action, WD 90775 (fresh from winter maintenance) and Class 101 DMU.

1st April 2008
Pictures uploaded to the 2008 Day Return pages after a long weekend spent in the dales, soaking up the sights, sounds and smells at the North Yorkshire Moors' Brilliant LNER Festival. While rather cliché, I'd like to thank everyone at the NYMR (staff and volunteers) for putting on such a superb show. It will (surly) go down as an 'I was there' event.

26th February 2008
(A little bit later than usual.) Pictures from the K&WVR's Winter Steam Gala uploaded. The event held in some glorious winter weather, which also bought out the crowds (see opposite!). Fantastic engines too; K1, dub-dee and two mickey mouse tanks.

27th January 2008
Pictures from the GCR's Winter Gala now uploaded. A great event as always. Unfortunately (as last year), while it started off bright, the clouds rolled in making for a grey afternoon.

31st December 2007
Pictures uploaded to the Day Return pages from the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway's Christmas Cracker event. The day gave us a chance to explore the line for (what I'm sure will be) future visits.

Happy New Year to everyone, and wishing you all the best for 2008.

26th December 2007
Hope everybody had an enjoyable Christmas. A selection of images uploaded of dub-dee 90775. My first pictures at the NNR since August!

15th November 2007
Last week, I spent my time driving and firing steam locos on the mainline… in Poland! A truly fantastic experience. A selection of images uploaded (to the Day Return pages) from the weeks exploits.

4th September 2007
Pictures uploaded of Black Prince at the NNR and a few images from the NNR's Steam Gala.

3rd July 2007
Pictures uploaded from the NNR's Steam Dream Weekend. Fantastic to see the B12, J15 and N7 out together for the first (and maybe last) time, a truly magical weekend. With the faltering health of (B12) 61572, it maybe a few years until they work together again. But wouldn't it be fantastic to line all three up at the top of Weybourne yard in LNER liveries! (How about it Steve?).

Sunday (1st July) will go down as a special day for me too, as I passed my firing test on (J15) 65462. Many thanks to Andy (the inspector) and Bryan (my driver). The day/weekend was given a suitable climax with the final double-headed run up Kelling Heath with the J15 and B12 – A memory that will live with me for many years. Apparently they could hear us at Sheringham!

8th May 2007
Double upload! A few shots of (the now departed) 6619 at the North Norfolk Railway, taken two weekends ago. Second batch of pictures added to the Day Return pages of the 65462 at the Kent and East Sussex Railway. The J15 is seen before starring at the line's Gala.

12th March 2007
With the fine spring weather, and a weekend off from cleaning/fixing/breaking(!) locos, I took the opportunity to head to the NNR with my camera (the first time I've taken any 'proper' pictures since October's Steam Gala). In service was 'little goods', J15 65462.

28th January 2007
Back to business this weekend at the GCR's superb Winter Gala. A highly enjoyable day, and maybe one of the best Galas I have attended at the Great Central, the mix was exactly right, perhaps the only thing missing was a TPO! Although the weather did let us down in the afternoon, the winter sunshine in the morning was brilliant. Pictures uploaded to the 2007 GCR gallery.

19th January 2007
After a long period of inactivity, I've uploaded my first shots of the new year to the 2007 NNR page. Hopefully more pictures will follow next week, with a visit to the GCR's Winter Gala, weather permitting.

9th October 2006
Pictures uploaded from the NNR's Steam Gala. A highly enjoyable three days (despite a heavy shower on Friday!). Good to see the return of a intensive timetable, and the introduction of the 'All Day Breakfast' train proved very popular!

26th September 2006
Uploaded to the 'Day Return' pages, a couple of images from a flying visit to the Mid Norfolk Railway's Diesel Gala.

25th September 2006
A mixture of colour and black and white images from our annual trip to the Severn Valley Railway's Autumn Steam Gala. Although the weather didn't quite share our enthusiasm (with persistent 'wet' rain on Friday), an enjoyable two days was had, together with a few of our friends! (See right!)

Also featured is the current progress of Ivatt 4MT 43106, shots of the Flying Pig's (new) tender tank, frames and boiler.

18th September 2006
28 pictures uploaded to the NNR pages from the line's 40s Weekend, and includes my first shots of visiting American S160 5197. Although the weather was distinctively average, the event was highly enjoyable nevertheless.

4th September 2006
40 pictures uploaded to the Day Return pages from my holiday to the Lake District and Yorkshire, which included visits to no less than seven railway organisations. Those featured include; Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Thirsk station, North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.

It wasn't all playing trains though (well, not quite anyway). Between the trains we (me, Ben Fraser and James Redburn) found time to explore a few other tourist attractions, and while in the Lake District climbed a few hills/mountains! (Click here.)

30th July 2006
20 pictures uploaded from the GCR's highly enjoyable Mail by Rail Gala. The weather was much more favorable that our last visit, although it did cloud up by the middle of the afternoon.

Many thanks to Clive, who kept both me and my old man company throughout the day. You can see Clive's snaps on his fotopic site.

20th July 2006
16 images uploaded, taken in the evening sunshine as BYP 6843 (more commonly know as the Pigeon Van) was launch back into traffic at the NNR. Expect more updates in the coming weeks, featuring the GCR, and the Yanks (well, one at least) return to Norfolk. Ye-ha!

26th June 2006
Couple of images (from the NNR) uploaded of N7 69621 (now back in service, and resplendent in BR lined black) and Class 31 31162.

30th May 2006
12 black and white images uploaded from a grey overcast Saturday at the North Norfolk Railway.

22nd May 2006
New 2006 Great Central page uploaded, with pictures from the railway's highly enjoyable Big Four Festival. Weather was mixed through the weekend, and it was a great shame that the sun made all but a fleeting appearance. But armed with my newly acquired lineside pass, some pleasing shots were achieved over the two days.

Great to see Green Arrow back in action (long may it continue), and looking resplendent (now) in LNER Apple Green.

1st May 2006
After a little break, a 'double-headed' update today!

NNR pictures from Saturday 29th April have been uploaded. The first pictures I have taken at the railway since the end of March. This has been mainly due to the fact that I have been on the footplate every weekend since then, learning the art of firing both the Dub-dee and J15. Many thanks to all the crews, who I've had the pleasure of meeting/working with so far.

The second upload (to the 'Day return' pages), is of B1 61264's East Anglian steam weekend. This was the first time that I had photographed a main line charter, with mixed results! But in the end, a couple of pleasing shots were archived, and it was great to see steam north of Norwich for the first time in over 40 years. (Unfortunately, it might also be the last time!)

Next update, if all goes to plan should be from the GCR's Big Four Gala in May. Apparently a certain Gresley three cylinder loco is attending…!

26th March 2006
The last pictures uploaded of 662 Martello uploaded. Today (26th March) was the last of the loco's special weekend trains, and will now move onto the Kent and East Sussex Railway for their Terrier Gala in May. Despite its short stay, the loco has become much loved at the railway, and it'll be a shame to see it leave.

Thoughts now turn to what might be next in the motive power pipe line. After having LNER, GWR and SR visitors in the last 18 months, maybe something LMS, to complete the set!

5th March 2006
Pictures of a weekend snapping Martello have been uploaded to the NNR pages, what a fantastic little loco she is. Although conditions where not ideal, sub zero Arctic winds straight off the North Sea, did nothing for a bloody cold photographer, or drifting steam and smoke from the Terrier. But, never the less, some pleasant shots were archived. Hopefully more over the coming weeks.

20th February 2006
Updates have been made to the 2004 and 2005 Top Link galleries. Although uploads have been sparse recently, expect some next month when Martello is put through its paces! Can't wait!

2nd January 2006
Happy New Year! 35 pictures uploaded to the all new 2006 NNR page from the line's Winter Steam Gala. Lovely Winter sunshine today (Monday), made the weekend.

As we say good bye to 2005, thought I would just write a small reflection on the last 12 months from my point of view, which (railway wise) was just fantastic. The locos I've encountered; Green Arrow, City of Truro, Flying Scotsman. The places I have been; York, Barrow Hill, Sheringham! The people I have had the pleasure of meeting; you know who you are! But the best thing I did last year was becoming a volunteer at the North Norfolk Railway. If you have considered, or are considering joining a preserved railway, then what are you waiting for, do it today, I wish I had years ago! Here's to 2006… cheers!

28th December 2005
Eight pictures uploaded of the N7 working the Mince Pie Special trains at the North Norfolk. A reasonable amount of snow, and the necessity to work off one to many chocolates consumed over Christmas where the main excuses for braving the weather!

18th December 2005
Four pictures uploaded to the NNR pages, the first since the Steam Gala! It's worth noting that I've included a picture of the NNR's latest edition to its ever expanding loco fleet, J21 65033 which arrived at Sheringham on Friday (16th December). The exciting news that 65033 will be restored and based at the railway, brings the total of exLNER locos to five, a number surpassed only by the NYMR.

I hope to take some pictures or over the Christmas/New Year period, which will no doubt encompass a day (or three) at the New Year Gala. So if no updates are fourth coming between now and then I wish you all a very merry Christmas, and all the best for 2006.

11th October 2005
Pictures uploaded to the 2005 Day Return page from Barrow Hill. My first visit to Britain's last remaining working roundhouse, and I had a very enjoyable weekend as a cleaner on J15 65462 along side driver Ian Lake, fireman Ben Fraser and cleaner James Redburn. Thanks to all at Barrow Hill for making us all so welcome.

25th September 2005
28 pictures uploaded from Friday and Saturday of the SVR's Steam Gala. Pictures added to the new 2005 SVR page. The weekend didn't start very well, when we left at 4.30am (on Friday) for what usually is a four hour trip (at the most) to Bridgnorth. It ended up taking us six hours! And all that for Great Western engines, 11 of them in all! Thanks to the crews at the SVR though, which put on many spirited performances during the course of the weekend, you just need to look at Foremarke Hall left, fantastic!

Mixed news for us Eastern region fans, a shame not to see "number 9" going this year! However Ivatt 4MT 43106, is making steady progress in the workshops at Bridgnorth, and I've uploaded a picture of the Flying Pig's new cab!

Finally apologies to all those that were expecting an upload from the NNR's 40s Weekend, due to other commitments I was unable to take any pictures!

13th September 2005
Pictures from the NNR's Steam Gala uploaded. Only attended one day this year, due to a mixture of other commitments and poor weather. Besides, its the 40s Weekend this week, so more uploads next week. See you then!

8th September 2005
16 pictures uploaded from York and Flying Scotsman trip. I went to York with Ben Fraser, a friend of mine (who incidentally works at the NNR). The trip wasn't initially intended to include a trip behind Flying Scotsman, but that is how it turned out! I think that I speak for both of us, when I say a big thanks to all the chaps on the support coach of 4472, who made us most welcome. A special thank you must also be dedicated to Jim, thanks a million!

5th September 2005
Pictures from N7 69621's first public passenger train in six years uploaded to the NNR pages. Refreshing to have a tank engine back on the "branch line"! The N7's return is also special for me as I helped apply the numbering to the bunker sides. Can you tell which side I assisted with? Answers on a postcard!

Also; pictures coming soon from York and Flying Scotsman trip!

27th August 2005
First update for a couple of weeks. I wanted/needed to get a few more shots of Truro, as i didn't want to leave it all to the Steam Gala weekend. However, I don't seem to be in luck, as the cloud always seems to come over as she approaches! Might have another go next week!

21st July 2005
Eight (more) pictures of Truro taken in the evening sunshine at Weybourne, as 3440 posed for the local BBC TV crew.

17th July 2005
Eight pictures uploaded, from what I'm sure will be one of many days spent at the railway until City of Truro leaves in September. Also featured is Class 31 31162, which made a pleasant change from the '25' on diesel hauled trains. Weather report: sunshine was intermittent at best, but really got out in the afternoon and early evening, just as the trains stopped! C'est la vie!

4th July 2005
Ladies and Gentlemen, City of Truro has landed! 12 pictures uploaded of 3440 being put through its paces (on the NNR). Weather was typical, ie cloudy, although the sun did manage to shine for one trip! However, I'm sure there will be many more snaps over the coming weeks!

12th June 2005
11 pictures uploaded from the NNR's Diesel Gala. Weather was reasonable at best! I'm still waiting (patiently) for 47367, hopefully it shouldn't be to long before it's roaring up Kelling Heath! Although I've said that before!

31st May 2005
Hello fans, yes you know who you are! 12 pictures uploaded to the NNR pages. An enjoyable weekend at the railway which included my very first cleaning turn on Sunday. Many thanks to my driver Mickey and fireman Peter, a highly enjoyable day with an (over) excessive amount of tea being consumed!

23rd April 2005
Eight pictures uploaded to the 2005 NNR page. They mainly feature B12 61572, which has re-entered service after winter maintenance was completed last week. I would also like to mention the B12's new website, www.wandering1500.co.uk, which was launched a week or two back. If you like B12s, then you will love the site, so take a look.

11th April 2005
Four pictures uploaded to the 2005 Day Return pages. My first "modern image" pictures for some time, taken at Norwich and Ipswich.

6th April 2005
Four pictures uploaded from 3rd April. Thought that it was time for some more colour shots again, although the sun was a bit reluctant to shine at times.

25th March 2005
Yes folks, I'm back! After an intensive post Christmas period snapping Green Arrow, a break was almost inevitable! But I haven't had my feet up, oh no, far from it! I have been busy creating a new website for the B12 (which is almost finished), and tending to the real thing, scrubbing, scrapping and painting!

One last word on the now departed Green Arrow. Few locos have captivated me as much, and it is no surprise to me that the loco has so many enthusiastic fans. Unfortunately all good things have/do come to an end, and 60800 left the railway on 1st March, a very sad day, the place just isn't the same without that Gresley 3 cylinder beat. A joy to photograph, ride behind and on the footplate, hopefully we'll meet again!

Four images uploaded today from (what is becoming) our annual Easter weekend visit. The weather wasn't as kind as it has been in previous years, but it was nice to catch up with a few familiar faces (and take a couple of pictures). By a strange coincidence all the images I took were of 34081 92 Squadron, although WD 90775 was also in service!

6th February 2005
Eight pictures uploaded. Four from the night photo shoot with Green Arrow and the J15 (in aid of the B12). Plus four incidental shots before I went off to clean the inside motion of the B12, tight work!

2nd February 2005
Have changed the format of the movie of Green Arrow storming up Kelling Heath. It is now a WMV file, and loads smaller for those of you on dial-up. Enjoy!

30th January 2005
Hi folks. Weekly update of Green Arrow uploaded. Eight black and white and four colour images, plus one movie! More next week! At this rate will have to rename the site "www.greenarrow.co.uk"! Also BIG BIG thanks to Andy and Ben!

23rd January 2005
Can't keep me away! Four more images uploaded. I have changed them to Black and White for added impact.

16th January 2005
After our "weekend off", it was back for some more of 60800. Four images uploaded, no doubt there will be more over the coming weeks until the loco departs for York at the end of February (boo-hoo).

2nd January 2005
Happy New Year! What a week, 7 visits in 8 days, that's dedication! 32 images uploaded to the new NNR 2005 gallery from the Winter Gala. Trains were busy and stations packed, B&Q must have been dead! Would like to say a big thank you to all at the NNR for a great show, all three days were brilliant.

30th December 2004
Thursday was cloudy! 8 images uploaded of …, come on, you must know by now! Fourth coming pictures from this weekends Winter Gala will be uploaded Sunday (night) or (sometime) Monday, and will appear on the new 2005 NNR gallery!

28th December 2004
Back again! People will start to think that we have nothing better to do with our time! 4 more Green Arrow images uploaded. More tomorrow? That would be telling!!!

27th December 2004
Quicker than expected! 1 Class 31 and 11 Green Arrow images uploaded today, more (possibly) tomorrow!

26th December 2004
Hello folks, hope you had a good Christmas! 8 images uploaded today of that "Gresley wonder" (60800 Green Arrow). 60800 hauled the first train into the new platform and station at Holt. More pictures to come of Green Arrow in over the Christmas/New Year period, stay tuned!

12th December 2004
First shots of Green Arrow uploaded today. What a fantastic loco. This year's Mince Pie Specials and Winter Gala can't come soon enough! I would just also like to say a BIG thank you to Dill for my cab ride on Green Arrow yesterday. Bloody brilliant! Thanks a million!